"When it's not plugged into the home the van's batteries are being charged by a 1-kilowatt panel on its roof and small panels on the sides which charge the indicators and lights."

[–] ptz@dubvee.org 6 points 7 months ago

Must've missed that part. Thanks!

[–] hazeebabee@slrpnk.net 11 points 7 months ago

I could see them adding a significant charge in morning/late afternoon when the sun is low. Im dont actually know though lol

[–] perestroika@slrpnk.net 9 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

You're correct. Only the roof is likely to give significant power. Been there and done that, on the opposite side of the planet though. :)

The "something" on the picture I attach... was built in some squat in Eastern Europe. It had a flat roof of approximately 2 x 1.5 m, all of it solar panel. Solar panels weren't great back then. Typically it charged its 4 KWh battery in a few days of sunshine. Only during midsummer (18-hour days) was there any chance of a full charge in a single day.

Unlike the van, the "something" required a smaller inventory of tools to build. Instead of lawnmower motors, a Chinese electric motorcycle motor was used. Sadly it's now retired due to metal fatigue. :( Lesson: never build a structure that flexes out of aluminum - aluminum has no fatigue limit, any flexing will lead to cracking.

[–] Deceptichum@kbin.social 3 points 7 months ago

We generally have a fair bit more sun light than youse do.