Solar Citicar

[bennelson]

Hey Guys,

Lately, I've been playing with solar.

I live a bit west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, and found a while back that there is a domestic Solar Panel Manufacturer right in Milwaukee!

I borrowed one of their solar panels while I was at the MREA Energy Fair about a month ago. The panel is rated for outputting to 48V battery systems. I had my motorcycle there (which is 48V) and I was able to charge the bike all weekend with the panel.

After visiting a friend of my parents', who had some older solar panels for sale, I first wanted to check the cost of buying a new one. So, I gave Helios a call, and ended up ordering a 405 watt/48V B-stock panel for $364.

I rigged it up to a charge controller, and am now charging my Citicar!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-PfHx1Ewb4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEHU4TqA5C0

[Daox]

Sounds pretty cool Ben. I can't see the videos at work so I might be missing it. How are you preventing overcharging?

[bennelson]

I have a Xantrex C40 solar charge controller.

It controls the charge to the Citicar (or Motorcycle) and prevents overcharging. I have gels in the Citicar, which are a little picky about charging voltage, so I did turn down the bulk voltage on the charge controller a bit.

[MetroMPG]

Looks like fun, Ben!