Re:Solar panels on cars make no sense
by bluGill on Sunday January 29, 2023 @01:49PM
(#34571302)
If installing on cars then we should assume the higher cost extra efficient cells that cost a lot more money.
On a car or small truck there just isn't enough sunlight to make a difference even at 100% efficiency (last I heard labs were getting in the low 40% range using tricks that probably don't apply in the real world). However for large motor homes (and possibly semi trucks) there is enough roof space to make a difference. Motorhomes often stop for a few days at a time so can get some useful range (or at least not use the batteries running the stuff inside).
In no case though is anyone thinking about saving money with solor on a moving vehicle. The large ones can possibly get enough range to be worth the extra costs even though it's costs more money.
On a car or small truck there just isn't enough sunlight to make a difference even at 100% efficiency (last I heard labs were getting in the low 40% range using tricks that probably don't apply in the real world). However for large motor homes (and possibly semi trucks) there is enough roof space to make a difference. Motorhomes often stop for a few days at a time so can get some useful range (or at least not use the batteries running the stuff inside).
In no case though is anyone thinking about saving money with solor on a moving vehicle. The large ones can possibly get enough range to be worth the extra costs even though it's costs more money.