05-31-2012, 09:55 PM
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#11 (permalink)
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Corporate imperialist
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Added this to the solar assist wiki forum links.
Solar 12v assist - EcoModder
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1984 chevy suburban, custom made 6.5L diesel turbocharged with a Garrett T76 and Holset HE351VE, 22:1 compression 13psi of intercooled boost.
1989 firebird mostly stock. Aside from the 6-speed manual trans, corvette gen 5 front brakes, 1LE drive shaft, 4th Gen disc brake fbody rear end.
2011 leaf SL, white, portable 240v CHAdeMO, trailer hitch, new batt as of 2014.
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06-26-2012, 10:08 PM
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#12 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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06-29-2012, 11:13 AM
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#13 (permalink)
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EcoMod Proof of Concept
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Have you tried it without the alternator? I am wondering if 130 watts is enough without the alt. I am running a 40 watt solar panel inside my car and it really seems to help hold the battery at a topped up level, saving gas by running the alt way less.
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2000 Insight MT 106K Citrus A/C 
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07-02-2012, 10:41 PM
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#14 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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I added some side skirts to the panel.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ke5fFsKJJYg/T_I4htXCQZI/AAAAAAAAAcU/YvANqPUQAlQ/s640/IMG_20120702_192251.jpg" height="480" width="640")
3rd Brake light is mounted to the tail of the panel for now. It will be integrated into an aerodynamic tail section as time allows.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VWF9KRR8kL0/T_I4utzqZHI/AAAAAAAAAdI/1KEMfoXSsMA/s640/IMG_20120702_192324.jpg" height="480" width="640" )
Welded up a battery box which will be mounted in the spare tire well.(EDIT: Ended up mounted behind drivers seat)
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-72Io6Q1wVbs/T_I48RtOsSI/AAAAAAAAAc4/xuDNsCKYNNU/s640/IMG_20120702_192552.jpg" height="480" width="640")
Last edited by VXmpgRacer; 07-25-2012 at 08:29 PM..
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07-02-2012, 11:39 PM
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#15 (permalink)
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Cyborg ECU
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I really like the effort, and I hope it produces enough power to have a significant impact. I have an idea, looking at your snaps. Is the angle of the panel off "the template" a little? If it is I bet you can adjust it fairly easily. Then maybe this is a nice opportunity to build a kamm back, consolidating a gain. I wonder if the over-hang out the back is increasing drag for you. Have you considered a kamm?
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See my car's mod & maintenance thread and my electric bicycle's thread for ongoing projects. I will rebuild Black and Green over decades as parts die, until it becomes a different car of roughly the same shape and color. My minimum fuel economy goal is 55 mpg while averaging posted speed limits. I generally top 60 mpg. See also my Honda manual transmission specs thread.
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07-03-2012, 01:39 PM
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#16 (permalink)
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EcoMod Proof of Concept
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Looks better with closed in sides, can you please take a pic with the hatch open.
I think if the hatch opens enough, then a solid none moving kamback could be easier to make, and possibly more effective as well.
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2000 Insight MT 106K Citrus A/C
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07-03-2012, 06:57 PM
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#17 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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Here it is with the hatch open
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1nPKc_8e8lY/T_Nou8DZ1LI/AAAAAAAAAds/S9JOMIv9Fpw/s640/IMG_20120703_174448.jpg" height="480" width="640")
I plan to increase the rear angle and create a kamm back soon. For now, more open hatch area will be very helpful while installing the new 110# battery pack which should be here soon.
Last edited by VXmpgRacer; 07-03-2012 at 09:51 PM..
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07-05-2012, 01:09 AM
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#18 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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Today, I removed the alternator charge wire for testing. The panel seems to put out enough to run the car with little to no battery discharge.
Xenon HID 35W headlamps installed to reduce light load
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07-05-2012, 10:12 AM
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#19 (permalink)
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Drive less save more
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That is a serious solar panel. It must put out 5 or10 amps on a sunny day. If your car uses 10 amps to run , lets say your panel is putting out 6 amps, your battery would only have to carry 4 amps. 4 amps an hour is not going to drain the battery. I have complete faith in your Solar charging system. Adding some high output led spot lights flush to the grill block would be a nice feature. One that i plan on doing to my Beetle. Its headlights are weak and suck amps.
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Ride a Mtn bike for errands exercise entertainment and outright fun
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07-25-2012, 08:56 PM
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#20 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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It was time to make the car a solid color. This army green is more suitable.
I built the side skirts and front lip for less than $20 worth of Coroplastic from Creative Press sign shop in Ruckersville Virginia.
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