Quote:
Originally Posted by Ecky
A 220w solar panel on a roof rack will probably cause more load on the van's engine from drag when driving than it saves by generating power, as counter-intuitive as that sounds, though it really depends on the speed you're driving at.
|
Most of my route this summer is freeway so think 55-85 MPH.
Quote:
|
Remember that 220w is only about a third of a horsepower, and you might need as much as maybe 30-40HP when cruising on the highway. This means that, if you're getting 20mpg, the solar panel might save you 0.5% in reduced electricity load, which equates to about 1/10 of a mile per gallon. If you lose half a mile per gallon due to extra drag (which is reasonable and realistic), the panel is costing you 5x as much as it's saving. The added drag might even be more than that.
|
Sounds like I should take the roof rack and panel off, if the fuel savings is more than the additional cost to run a generator due to going without solar. How can I calculate this so I don't spend dollars to save pennies?
Quote:
|
However, if you use it when the van is parked to run things, and the alternative is finding an electrical grid to hook up to, it may be worth leaving there anyway, despite it costing you money while driving around.
|
I am using a HONDA eu2000i to run things inside that can't run from the batteries. My dream life has me moving everyday.
Quote:
Is it worth your time and effort to stash the panel inside, or to make it flush with the roof? Up to you.
...
|
Not worth the time to take the rack off everytime I desire to go somewhere.
Quote:
Originally Posted by oil pan 4
Driving a diesel you are enslaved by the oil monopoly. That is all there is to it.
|
What about biodiesel? Yes I know the free grease party is long over but there are multitude of substances that can be burned in a diesel engine and can be collected for at time and fuel cost.
What substances can I burn in this fuel injected engine without any modifications to the fuel system? What would basic filtering equipment cost to filter out any impurities in the burnable substances, as clogging the fuel injectors and/or damaging the fuel system wipes out any and all fuel savings? I can't afford to take a chance, I have to be certain the van can run on it without damage.
Quote:
|
What are you planning to use for a charge controller?
|
There is an MPPT controller in the van. Don't know the brand and model number.