Quote:
Originally Posted by biker1
If you figure a solar panel with a nominal output of 300 watts then you might get a mile or two of range per hour in the middle of the day. Of course, a mile only cost about 2 cents when charging at home is I don't really see the point.
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Panel rated at 300 watts will deliver 300 watts
- - ONLY IF - -
Panel is perpendicular to the direction of the sunlight because efficiency falls of quickly at off angles. That won't happen on a moving cart.
Panel is in direct, unshaded sunlight. Efficiency falls of dramatically when not getting full sun at mid day. Haze, clouds, rain, all render panels ineffective.
Many MMP are in shade and that will severely reduce output, even of every other condition is perfect.
Panel is spotless clean. Dirt reduces output.
I would also be concerned with overall mechanical integrity. Carts bounce around, sometimes get whacked by tree limbs, and can scrape tunnels. A damaged panel does not work.
Comparing actual average performance to best case performance is like selling snake oil.