TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC
  1. TMC is currently READ ONLY.
    Click here for more info.

Solar Panel Option

Discussion in 'Cybertruck' started by Buckminster, Nov 24, 2019.

  1. Hank42

    Hank42 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2012
    Messages:
    514
    Location:
    United States - NY
    Don't forget about all that space UNDER the truck - you could conceivably stack 2 or three panels underneath that slide out to the sides when camping. That's another 600wh right there!
     
    • Like x 4
    • Informative x 1
  2. 365gtb4

    365gtb4 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2015
    Messages:
    145
    Location:
    Redlands
    My take on the panels is just to handle phantom loss. My truck will sit out side it's whole life. The fact that I will charge it when I need it and the rest of the time it will not be plugged in. Dealing with the phantom loss then is a none issue.
     
    • Like x 1
  3. drcarric2650

    drcarric2650 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2019
    Messages:
    33
    Location:
    Tulsa, OK
    #23 drcarric2650, Apr 3, 2020
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2020
    OK, I'll say it, I want it so I can say I'm ready for the apocalypse. For practicality, I would also like a connection for added panels, for camping... and of course for the apocalypse. If I can get another taunau cover that goes the opposite direction over the roof to the frunk, (batmobile option), then I would pay a whole lot more... Gee's an apocalyptic Batmobile, that you could drive with camera's only. To complete the package, dual power windows controllers to raise and lower the solar panals, over the side windows. Now that is Mad Max security!
     
    • Like x 3
    • Informative x 1
  4. NY_Rob

    NY_Rob Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2020
    Messages:
    733
    Location:
    Long Island
    Toyota had a "Solar Roof" on one of the Prius models a few years back... it was only there to run vent fans that brought cool outside air into the cab during hot summer days. It worked well enough for that purpose.
     
  5. Albern

    Albern Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2007
    Messages:
    220
    A quantitative analysis of the Cybertruck with solar panels.

     
    • Informative x 3
    • Like x 3
  6. jjacobs

    jjacobs Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    Toledo ohio,
     
  7. jjacobs

    jjacobs Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    Toledo ohio,
    subbing the solar folding array with the cybertruck to recharge battery operated tools ( lights, chainsaws, tools, water pumps, etc.) you could live very comfortably in a national forest from california, to maine, to florida, to alaska, Super charger to supercharger. As a retired single man with an ICE HD full size pick has , I can only immagine how much better it will be when i get my cybertruck. Have fun Boys and girls, Just think about staying alive and well ?
     
    • Like x 1
  8. jjacobs

    jjacobs Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    Toledo ohio,
    now my only question is will I be able to hookup to and tow my two horse GOOSENECK HORSE TRAILER ?
     
  9. rocky5000100

    rocky5000100 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2020
    Messages:
    18
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Nice video explanation. After factoring in my commute, and the 15 miles per day for solar roof, i would only save about $123 a year. So if the solar roof option was very cheap, then i'd definitely get it, let's say under $1000, and figuring i keep the vehicle for 10 years. But any more than that, and it's not going to give me a return on my investment.
     
    • Like x 1
  10. Proflig8tor

    Proflig8tor Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2019
    Messages:
    84
    Location:
    Marietta, GA
    My typical use case is parking at the airport for 3 or 4 days on every commute. This vehicle could realistically be grid-independent. YMMV
     
    • Like x 1
  11. dazedNconfuzed

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2020
    Messages:
    176
    Location:
    GA
    Reasonable comparison: 2 x 200 watt portable panels = $1000
    Boulder 200 Solar Panel Portable Briefcase | Goal Zero
     
  12. Supernaut

    Supernaut Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2019
    Messages:
    31
    Location:
    Annapolis
  13. Hank42

    Hank42 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2012
    Messages:
    514
    Location:
    United States - NY
    I like the concept - however unless we're in zero-g, that particular design would fail under its own weight.
     
  14. Tslacg

    Tslacg Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2016
    Messages:
    200
    Location:
    Oklahoma city
    If you were really committed to long term off grid off road travel, I imagine you could create some type of solution similar to the link below. I'd imagine a roll out stacked double panel array, sitting in the bed or in a slanted roof rack of sorts. Won't get the type of power as the rv, but could get enough to limp along moving campsites every few days.

    Would love to see a project like this take shape, even tho it won't make sense for 99.999999999% of CT owners. Would be cool to see the 1 person that makes it happen.

    E-Stars – Solarrolla
     
  15. coleAK

    coleAK Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2018
    Messages:
    857
    Location:
    Alaska
    There are no superchargers in Alaska. I have a off grid solar set up on my cabin and a hybrid system on my home, and a basic system on my camper.

    To “run the basics” on my camper I have 885w (295 x3) of solar, it covers ~56 ft^2. I made a moveable frame to optimize sun exposure. That is what it takes for me to be electricity neutral camping for at least a week and no need to run my generator unless get days of rain, during the peak 3 months of summer when I get 18+ hours of sun exposure. And with all LED lights, a propane: fridge, heat, cooking and hot water, and little other electronics. Initially I had a 590w system and couldn’t cover my power unless it was perfect and sunny every day so I added another panel. I’m not charging electronic tools, tablets, or smart phones. As I have a gas chainsaw and confiscate phones/tablets from all when we camp. Since most places we go don’t have cell coverage We use inReach’s and charge them off small individual panels and that works well. I’ll also add my panels weight about 40 lbs each.


    I have a 2.6 kw (9 panels, 240 inverter) solar system on my cabin on a manual adjustable head unit. I have charged our LR AWD model 3 off of it and the best I’ve ever done is 18 miles range in one day, usually get only 12-14 a day. Given the CT will almost certainly operate at much higher than the model 3 rated 250wh/mi, I’m betting I’d be lucky to get 10 mile a day off my 2.6kw system, and that is almost 170 ft^2 of solar panels.
     
  16. coleAK

    coleAK Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2018
    Messages:
    857
    Location:
    Alaska
    Not sure I believe their math. 6kw solar fixed mounted on the roof most likely they will only get 3.5-4x per day. Absolute best case scenario 5x. So based on 5x to get 100 miles that van would have to get 300wh/mi and I find that very unlikely. Also to get 5x that is only realistic in the USA in the SW high desert. I would bet more like 50 miles a day max realistically.
     
  17. jjacobs

    jjacobs Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    Toledo ohio,
    ASK ELON " ? super chargers + cybertrucks in Alaska, United States ?
     
  18. coleAK

    coleAK Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2018
    Messages:
    857
    Location:
    Alaska
    They have shown one in Anchorage as “coming soon” for at least 3 years. Anchorage doesn’t make much sense though. First should be Talkeetna junction or cantwell. After that: homer, soldotona, Seward, Mat-su, Fairbanks, glennallen, Valdez, Delta, and Tok all make more sense to happen before Anchorage. Like I’ve said I’ve had a Tesla (S then 3) up here almost 6 years and not having supercharging hasn’t limited me at all. Now to tow a camper with the CT at least the above locations need to happen.
     
    • Like x 1
  19. Supernaut

    Supernaut Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2019
    Messages:
    31
    Location:
    Annapolis
    Details, details. Mars then? (0.38g)
     
    • Funny x 2
  20. Hank42

    Hank42 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2012
    Messages:
    514
    Location:
    United States - NY
    Maybe. Just Maybe, but then you have to account for atmosphere - wind will knock the crap out of that design.
    And solar on Mars? Solar is inefficient as it is on earth, Mars gets even less usable sunlight.
    Sadly, I think the vehicles on Mars will need to be powered by little green martian fossil fuel :)
     

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.
  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC