Solar tonneau

[GrizzlysGhost]

...one might even say it's Freaking Nuts

Hmm... if only the squirrel were a dachshund. 🤔

 

[Adam W]

The biggest problem I see with these solar tonneau covers is that they force you to prioritize full-sun parking spots. And then you're going to blow all of that collected energy cooling the cab when it's time to go, when you could have potentially just parked under a shade tree or cover, and been ahead of the game energy-wise.

 

[KevinRS]

The intent for this is it can power things besides the truck. Go off camping somewhere and be able to power some minor stuff, etc. You just can't get enough watts even covering the entire surface of a vehicle with solar to get enough charging to be worth it, especially with conversion losses. The added weight and drag lower efficiency, and they payback even if it's positive ends up pushed out beyond the life of the truck and panels. It may not be positive at all, meaning the panels result in more charging from the grid.

 

[Lanthian]

I came here looking for this exact conversation. I assumed it would charge the truck just a little bit. I was considering it since I park in the direct sun anyway at work, that would've been about 9 hours of charging every day. But I don't need the battery backup (I have two Jackery batteries I use for power outtages), but I do like the concept.

 

[d.h.]

A solar car port would be ideal for someone retired . Down side is you could buy a lot of gas for the cost of building one from scratch . I'm going to see if it's worth the trouble of charging it with my small solar set up ,and go from there.