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Old 04-14-2009, 12:19 PM   #74 (permalink)
theunchosen
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Join Date: Nov 2008
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The problem with using PV these days is its kinda heavy. just to get 75 Watt Hour panels its several pounds(and less power than .25hp). Taking that into consideration its the worst power-weight ratio in your car by a long shot.

Also, looking to the extremes(PV carts) they are made of composites and the lightest possible components and the teams always fish out the lightest guy in the entire engineering department to be the driver, and make him drive naked to save weight. Ok so I was kidding on the last part, but otherwise the only way you can come close to supplementing your car's electrical grid is with large flat surfaces and serious sun.

Mounting PV panels on your hood is a terrible idea because the temperature after you stop and park will cook them. They are only designed for just over 130 degrees and then they start getting whiney and losing lifetime. Trunk and Roof are fine as long as you are in the sun, but if you have to run substantial components(fans) the PV won't keep up.

If you just want to store it you need deep-cycles and then you are adding weight compared to small parisitic drain. Probably the best bet would be to buy the lightest thinnest most expensive panels and two lightweight deep cycles, run the panels along the dash and rear window(to avoid being stolen) and charge it while you work and supplement the batteries while driving.
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