Aptera-style solar panels in SUV option.

[KevinRS]

A vehicle has to be very efficient to get meaningful range from solar panels that it can fit on it's surface area. The Aptera might be able achieve meaningful range from its panels though I wouldn't be surprised if it falls a little short of the "Up to 40 miles" claim. With 4 wheels, more passengers, and much more weight and less aerodynamics I'd think 10 miles would be pushing it for a Telo or Slate with onboard solar. As long as your EV has a battery there is little need to carry your solar panels and associated electronic components around with you.

Exactly. While with slate, it looks like you could add the roof rack and 2 towers, and be able to easily put on some rails and add a good amount of panels, the added weight and drag would probably negate any charging you'd get, unless you are only driving like 5 miles a day, no freeway speed, and always parking in full sun. Even then if you are parking in the same spot every night, better to leave the solar there, either grid tied or charging batteries that you then charge the truck with.

 

[catiare]

I found this company. They make a Tonneau with solar panels along with some hardware needed (MPPT, Inverter, Battery, etc). Something similar can be done in the Slate and leveraging existing internal hardware so just the Tonneau is needed.

https://www.worksport.com/products/solis-cor

 

[sodamo]

I found this company. They make a Tonneau with solar panels along with some hardware needed (MPPT, Inverter, Battery, etc). Something similar can be done in the Slate and leveraging existing internal hardware so just the Tonneau is needed.

https://www.worksport.com/products/solis-cor

Could be interesting

 

[PuppyRocker]

I had something similar in mind for my SUV build, especially for camping trips where extra power helps. I’ve been looking into flexible fotovoltaika panels that can curve a bit to match the roof shape. They’re lightweight and don’t mess with aerodynamics too much. Not a full charge solution, but great for slow trickle charging or powering stuff like a fridge or lights while off-grid.

 

[KevinRS]

Sounds like a cool idea, but I’d rather see more efficient panels on the roof than stretching them over the whole body, less likely to get damaged and easier to clean.

The problem is the math doesn't work. You need more surface area than a vehicle has to generate enough power through the day to run the vehicle, unless it's a lightweight "motorcycle" like aptera. You are better off putting in a solar carport.

 

[SparkYellow]

I was thinking about building a simple structure in the bed and mount 600 watts of rigid solar panel or as much as the space accommodates. They will produce power to be stored in a group of batteries in a secure, water proof enclosure in the bed. As long as the hood design remains flat with no grooves or dramatic curves, at least 100w of flexible panel can power a smaller group of batteries (of the same spec) in the frunk.

When at camp and parked, additional panels can be set up in an array on the ground and connected to the 600w to produce more. I need to look into the effectiveness of connecting rigid panels with foldable/flexible panels. Altogether, they may amount to a few miles per day, but it beats zero.

Anyone can buy solar equipment to produce power for EVs based on the need and available resources. It would be cost-prohibitive for most to make our own gas. The only way to get free gas is to siphon from abandoned vehicles. 😅

 

[BigB]

I've had a 200w Panel on the roof of my Nissan for several years.. Just to keep a lithium battery full to run a 55 quart freezer in the back it would be easy to add 500 plus Watts to a slate Fastback cuz that's what I want and all wheel drive

 

[BigB]

The problem is the math doesn't work. You need more surface area than a vehicle has to generate enough power through the day to run the vehicle, unless it's a lightweight "motorcycle" like aptera. You are better off putting in a solar carport.

Any free energy would be awesome for running the stereo or your laptop or even other electronic devices and it would add a little bit of range to the truck but even if it was 10 miles and you were stuck 10 miles away from town you could literally camp out in the truck for a day or two and you would have enough juice from the Sun to drive to a charger

 

[SparkYellow]

For my camper that is parked out in the field, I have 35/35 on the hood. One to maintain the starter battery, the other to charge a small battery to power USB rodent deterrents. Two panels because of the ridge that goes down the center of the hood. I knew someone in the Suburban camper group who did the same with two higher output panels. For additional power needs, I have a 100w rigid panel mounted on wood frame that is placed on the roof.

The hood panels are from Amazon. Cascadia 4x4 and Lensun make panels that look a whole lot better.

 

[BigB]

For my camper that is parked out in the field, I have 35/35 on the hood. One to maintain the starter battery, the other to charge a small battery to power USB rodent deterrents. Two panels because of the ridge that goes down the center of the hood. I knew someone in the Suburban camper group who did the same with two higher output panels. For additional power needs, I have a 100w rigid panel mounted on wood frame that is placed on the roof.

The hood panels

That is awesome I spent all of last year off grid using solar energy only and I was able to run starlink and watch my 50-inch TV and live life normally without having to plug in ever and I don't have a generator

 

[SparkYellow]

50 inch TV!!! You do have plenty of power! In the summer I ran a projector and used a cargo van as my screen. With a 1024WH power station, I have to watch how much power I use. 😅

I split my time between a rental in the city for work and the off grid spot on weekends. The plan is to move off grid fully. The EV and AC will help on hot summer days and cold winter nights. I managed to get by for two years without any portable ACs.

Edit to add that superchargers are within reasonable distance so I will be fine with the standard range battery.

That is awesome I spent all of last year off grid using solar energy only and I was able to run starlink and watch my 50-inch TV and live life normally without having to plug in ever and I don't have a generator

 

[SparkYellow]

Great find! If the link doesn't work, start here: https://www.worksport.com/

I am trying to find the spec/math on their site...

I found this company. They make a Tonneau with solar panels along with some hardware needed (MPPT, Inverter, Battery, etc). Something similar can be done in the Slate and leveraging existing internal hardware so just the Tonneau is needed.

https://www.worksport.com/products/solis-cor