Aptera-style solar panels in SUV option.

[catiare]

I'm thinking this could be an option. The current aptera prototype can produce 545W of power from the solar panels in the vehicle body. If the base Slate (with a 52.7 kWh battery and ~150-mile range) had solar panels like the Aptera’s 545W system and sat in full sun for about 6-8 hours a day, it could hypothetically gain approximately 9.31-12.41 miles of range per day from solar alone. This could significantly offset light local driving or commuting — especially if the vehicle is parked outside during the day. Thoughts?

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

I asked no response so far sadly I thought it was a good idea to

 

[lgerger]

Good idea on the surface, but they seem heavy and seems like they would kill your range. But it seems like if they are effective enough, the range would not be as much of a concern, as it would charge as it drives, right?

 

[cvollers]

I'm thinking this could be an option. The current aptera prototype can produce 545W of power from the solar panels in the vehicle body. If the base Slate (with a 52.7 kWh battery and ~150-mile range) had solar panels like the Aptera’s 545W system and sat in full sun for about 6-8 hours a day, it could hypothetically gain approximately 9.31-12.41 miles of range per day from solar alone. This could significantly offset light local driving or commuting — especially if the vehicle is parked outside during the day. Thoughts?

I can easily see the roof panel portion of the SUV/Cargo topper receiving a flexible solar panel. If building out a camper with RTT, solar panels can go on top of the RTT.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

the aptera ones are some of if not the lightest solar panels on the market

 

[UncleMatt]

I'm thinking this could be an option. The current aptera prototype can produce 545W of power from the solar panels in the vehicle body. If the base Slate (with a 52.7 kWh battery and ~150-mile range) had solar panels like the Aptera’s 545W system and sat in full sun for about 6-8 hours a day, it could hypothetically gain approximately 9.31-12.41 miles of range per day from solar alone. This could significantly offset light local driving or commuting — especially if the vehicle is parked outside during the day. Thoughts?

A solar roof might be a feel-good add-on to the truck, particularly in the long-roof form. But there would be some added complexity to allow the solar power to actually supply or boost the huge lithium battery.
So, let's see the actual pricing of such an option, from the OEM.

Oh, I am sure that that savvy DIY'ers are already scheming on how to add solar panels. And i look forward to seeing youtube tutorials on that. But for me, it would need to be a product or accessory that was designed (and blessed) by Slate. Ideally, as a plug-and-play addition to the stock truck.

I am beyond the age where crawling up under the dash is a fun idea.

Good luck to those who carry this concept further.

 

[cvollers]

A solar roof might be a feel-good add-on to the truck, particularly in the long-roof form. But there would be some added complexity to allow the solar power to actually supply or boost the huge lithium battery.
So, let's see the actual pricing of such an option, from the OEM.

Oh, I am sure that that savvy DIY'ers are already scheming on how to add solar panels. And i look forward to seeing youtube tutorials on that. But for me, it would need to be a product or accessory that was designed (and blessed) by Slate. Ideally, as a plug-and-play addition to the stock truck.

I am beyond the age where crawling up under the dash is a fun idea.

Good luck to those who carry this concept further.

Slate uses NMC, not lithium.

 

[raybythelake]

Good idea on the surface, but they seem heavy and seems like they would kill your range. But it seems like if they are effective enough, the range would not be as much of a concern, as it would charge as it drives, right?

You're right. Traditional rigid panels used for residential rooftop solar systems (typically with aluminum frames) can add weight. Perhaps 25-50 lbs. or more depending on size (e.g. 100w, 200w, 400w panel). There are many aftermarket portable solar panels that are considerably lighter and designed for camping and easy handling. I think the key question is how to get whatever electricity you could produce from whatever panel(s) you have back into the Slate main battery. One component that would be needed is some sort of MPPT solar charge controller and a charging connection to Slate's main battery pack.

 

[catiare]

You're right. Traditional rigid panels used for residential rooftop solar systems (typically with aluminum frames) can add weight. Perhaps 25-50 lbs. or more depending on size (e.g. 100w, 200w, 400w panel). There are many aftermarket portable solar panels that are considerably lighter and designed for camping and easy handling. I think the key question is how to get whatever electricity you could produce from whatever panel(s) you have back into the Slate main battery. One component that would be needed is some sort of MPPT solar charge controller and a charging connection to Slate's main battery pack.

The idea would be to team up with Aptera to use their tech. Their solar cells are embedded in the body (are very light supposedly) and the MPPT and other electronics are design to be part of the vehicle system. They already have some sort of agreement with Telo and they will offer it as an option.

 

[catiare]

A solar roof might be a feel-good add-on to the truck, particularly in the long-roof form. But there would be some added complexity to allow the solar power to actually supply or boost the huge lithium battery.
So, let's see the actual pricing of such an option, from the OEM.

Oh, I am sure that that savvy DIY'ers are already scheming on how to add solar panels. And i look forward to seeing youtube tutorials on that. But for me, it would need to be a product or accessory that was designed (and blessed) by Slate. Ideally, as a plug-and-play addition to the stock truck.

I am beyond the age where crawling up under the dash is a fun idea.

Good luck to those who carry this concept further.

I was thinking more in terms of Slate licensing Aptera's solar technology.

https://aptera.us/licenses-solar-technology/

 

[raybythelake]

The idea would be to team up with Aptera to use their tech. Their solar cells are embedded in the body (are very light supposedly) and the MPPT and other electronics are design to be part of the vehicle system. They already have some sort of agreement with Telo and they will offer it as an option.

Yes, excellent idea.

 

[Sparkie]

I was thinking more in terms of Slate licensing Aptera's solar technology.

https://aptera.us/licenses-solar-technology/

In my mind, I hope Slate Auto remains focused on their "keep it simple" design philosophy with your suggested licensing in the reverse direction. Namely, let Aptera license FROM Slate whatever they need to build the solar panels as an aftermarket sale to Slate owners.

 

[sodamo]

Adding solar to topper roof is on my bucket list of ideas. If I could squeeze another 10 miles during a Costco trip, I’d be ecstatic.
but I’m all interested even if it’s just additional 12vdc. Seems many of my accessories/mods involve power.

i’ll be 80 yo when I get my Slate but apparently not the oldest. Looking forward to DYI.