I’ve been a long time reader, but not poster. For the last two years I’ve been working on a 2kW to 4kW solar system for car – since drip charging is better than supercharging and I need an off-grid solution. Currently the mechanics are designed in such a way that I can expand from the current 1575 watts to 4000 watts. This is because I am using telescoping carbon fiber tubes as my mechanism of expansion and contraction, as opposed to sliders. I’ve also recorded a 20 minute video on Youtube explaining my design decisions, and how I modify my solar panels to make it work (i.e.: remove junction boxes and wire directly to my trunk…)
Overall it has been a fun project so far and I am designing version two. Version one is 11 inches high and is made out of wood. Version two will be fully made of carbon fiber and will be 6 inches high. I certainly need help. Right now I researching the DC-to-DC charging and hot wiring. Right now I get about 20 miles when under the sun for about five hours, and should be 25 miles if I can get DC-to-DC charging. Under version two (which is 4kw) I should be able to charge about 50 to 75 miles per day.
Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to answer. Most answers are in the video here.
Thank you all for your inspiration by sharing and discussing the EV landscape.
Solar panels contracted, and driving
You can see the telescopic arms (carbon fiber and aluminum)
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Excellent work. Tesla could engineer in solar panels into the glass roof and hood and likely come close to your 25 miles a day.
Toyota has a much smaller built in solar panel in the Prius Prime that increases the EV range by 10%
Alright, I’ll bite: Why not just a static solar array sitting on your (presumably off-grid) property?
Great job OP. You should patent this and do the same for Semis. Ton more benefit for electric semis. Also the trailers that are refrigerated might be able to power off of native panels and not need to worry about keeping the generator tank filled up. Some work will be needed to install batteries for night power. The benefits are bigger and this might be something businesses will be ready to pay for. These Refers run night and day.
This is a great concept for a future aftermarket option for any EV. Reminds me of the 0.13cd Aptera. The glass Full Solar kit w/ Maxeon cell panels (hood/dashboard/roof/rear hatch door). Recharges for up to 40mi range per day.
Nice, 50-75 miles covers most commutes!
Do you think there will be more cars with built-in solar roofs, like the Lightyear (bankrupt) or 2023 Prius PHEV (tiny panel)?
Well, the lightyear one went backrupt so they can start clear with the lightyear two.
Personally, I don’t think car manufacturers will uptake solar. You need a LOT of surface area for solar to work. What we’re doing is only good for 1% to 5% of the EV market. People that park in their sunny driveway, campers, etc. For a manufacturer to add solar, it is something that everyone would want.
I think once higher conversion rate panels come to the market, then yes, more manufacturers will jump on that.