Hank42
Legacy Supporter
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!
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Solar Panel Option
- Thread starter Buckminster
- Start date
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!
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NY_Rob
Member
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.
A quantitative analysis of the Cybertruck with solar panels.
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 ?
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.
Proflig8tor
Member
dazedNconfuzed
Member
Reasonable comparison: 2 x 200 watt portable panels = $1000
Boulder 200 Solar Panel Portable Briefcase | Goal Zero
Hank42
Legacy Supporter
I like the concept - however unless we're in zero-g, that particular design would fail under its own weight.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Hank42
Legacy Supporter
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
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