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Old 09-24-2009, 12:35 PM   #21 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,534

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 54.46 mpg (US)

Appliance car Mirage - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 57.73 mpg (US)
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I bet the panel will probably put out more than 36w... in perfect conditions (at noon, clean glass, clear sky, perfect orientation). But significantly less than that on average, since it will rarely be oriented toward the sun.

As a note: I did a simple test when I was playing with my solar powered boat this summer: just washing a light coat of pollen/dust off the glass improved power output by 5%.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertSmalls View Post
Since the graph starts at 0:15, the way I read it, half an hour will give you +30°F. Not huge, but it's something.
Good eye, Robert. That was a mistake on my part in the graph! I didn't start the x axis at 0:00, but should have - the axis was off by 0:15 relative to the points on the curve. Fixed.

PS: 30 mins gives my setup +30F. YMMV! Results will definitely vary depending on engine/coolant mass, heater type etc.

PPS: I wouldn't worry much about mppt or what to do with your dump load. First make it work! Then make it better. :P

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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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