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‘World’s first off-road solar SUV’ just drove across Morocco powered only by the sun
(edition.cnn.com)
this post was submitted on 16 Oct 2023
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In other words, the solar only adds about 50-60km/day to the battery.
Another case of putting solar panels on specific things not being a great idea. Chuck the panels on a convenient surface pointing at the sun and connect them to the grid. Connect your load to the grid. Job done.
We can talk about solar windows/roads/cars/rivers/canopies when we've run out of space on houses and commercial roofs. They already have grid connections, structure, and are protected from damage.
How do you say that so nonchalantly
Compared to the 700km claimed range (which seems very optimistic), that implies you would need to let the car sit for two weeks to charge on solar alone - more if the weather is not totally perfect or there is any shade.
So if you're wanting to do a multi-day road trip, it's of stuff all use. You're going to be relying on the big battery and the grid; the solar is a rounding error.
If you're planning to do <50km/day commuting/shopping etc... please don't get an off-road SUV tank, and probably not anything with 700km of range. Get something that weighs half as much and put 5x as much solar on your roof. It'll still be cheaper overall and the panels will last longer.
If you're actually in the small segment that needs off-road capability and an SUV (say, a farm run-around), congratulations. Definitely don't get a car with solar on the roof because it will immediately be covered in dust, and the minor dents and whoops-a-small-tree-fell-on-it will break the panels in the first year. You also probably want to park it in the shade wherever possible.
Again, stick 5x the panels on the garage roof and get something cheaper.
It can be useful if you live out of the grid, like in the middle of Morocco dessert.
Even if you're off grid, it's still better to put the panels and most of the battery on a house.
You'll get much better yield because the panels can be pointed in exactly the right direction and won't be covered in road dust, plus there's far more space available.
Putting a smaller, lighter battery in the vehicle is going to reduce its energy consumption, as is using a shape designed for low drag rather than a shape set up for optimal solar.