Power Car
How much installed solar capacity is needed to completely power a 100% electric car ?
Assuming the solar panels are not connected to the power grid, and assuming an average number of miles traveled per year (say 12,000), and without discussing battery, motor, range or other issues – but assuming it’s 100% electric (not a hybrid), and assuming plenty of sun location, how many watts of installed solar capacity is needed to power the car (visualize a pratical car like the EV1 – not like the “cars” they have in the World Solar Challenge race) w/o any other power source? Err on the side of a few too many watts rather than not enough.
Electric cars get 2-4 miles / kWh. A golfcart type will get more. An electric bicycle can get 100 mpkWh.
Okay, so lets say it gets 2 mpkWh. that’s 6000 kWh requirement per year. That can be supplied by a 3 kW array if you live where I do in California. Probably a somewhat smaller array in Phoenix, Arizona. What you can do is look up the average number of peak sun hours for your area on
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/
Let’s say the number you get is 5 hours per day. Multiply that by 360 days per year, and get 1800 hours per year. Then you would divide that into 6000 to get the size of your array, in kW.
Remember, this only powers the car, you would need more if you want to power your house, too.
Good luck!
water powered car
|
|
Duracell 813-0291-07 175 Watt DC to AC Pocket Power Source Inverter $28.90 Pocket-sized unit converts 12V DC power from vehicle battery into 120V AC power, so you can charge or operate laptops, cell phones, iPod , BlackBerry , video cameras and other mobile electronics. Power Supply: 12V, Continuous Watts: 175, AC Outlets (qty.): 1, USB Ports (qty.): 1, LED Indicators: Yes, Low Battery Protection: Yes, High Temperature Protection: Yes, Overload Protection: Yes, Low Volta… |
|
|
COBY CA-709 IC Regulated 800mA Universal DC Car Converter $3.96 Main FeaturesManufacturer: Coby Electronics CorporationManufacturer Part Number: CA-709Manufacturer Website Address: www.cobyusa.comProduct Type: Auto AdapterInput Voltage: 12 V DC Output Voltage: 1.5 V DC , 3 V DC , 4.5 V DC , 6 V DC , 7.5 V DC , 9 V DC , 12 V DC Input Connector: Automobile Cigarette Lighter… |
|
|
Cobra CPI 1575 1500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter $189.95 This inverter provides household power on the go. It converts battery power to 120 V AC household power, allowing you to power up office equipment and household appliances from your vehicle. This unit is ideal for such appliances as microwave ovens (1000 watts or less), coffeemakers, laptops, TVs, video game consoles, CD and DVD players, cell phone chargers, and more. Power equipment and applia… |
|
|
Speedway $2.79 Auto racer with bad manager woos IRS agent on his case…. |
|
|
Eforcity USB Travel Car Charger USB Type A to Mini 5-pin Type B Cable $6.2 Combo Set includes USB Type A to Mini 5-pin Type B Cable and USB Travel / Car ChargerPick up a spare or replacement USB cable for your digital camera or camcorder todayUse your car to charge any devices that can rely on USB for power |
|
|
LG Chocolate / 8500 Cell Phone Car Charger $6.74 Plug-in cell phone car chargerCharger keeps your cell phone battery in top operating conditionProvides unlimited talk and standby time when chargingPlugs into 12V DC cigarette lighter port to power your cell phone |
