Solar Panel Thread (TOTV user Jimbo2012's project)

[ajbrown]

Well you can upgrade any amp controller that's not expensive, but I'm testing with the stock unit.

I had a few panels delivered last week just need to find the time to install them.

I'm pretty confident I'll get 50+ miles out of the system.

My friend who is a solar guru, tested a cart going 8 mph shutting down the batteries and went several hours without batteries just solar.

Now I know you need to go faster than that but remember all the time your out it keeps charging.

I'll post pics and tests in the next few weeks when it's all together.

:gc:


I did not wish to further hijack Carguy's Tomberline AC thread, so I took your post from that thread to start this as I am really interested in your solar panel project. I wish I was going to be around TV when you testing as I would enjoy swinging by and seeing the setup (if I was welcome :shocked:).

They key to the success of a solar panel to me is like most products, a simple cost/benefit analysis. As I see it the solar panel can:


extend range between charges
reduce discharge on a battery pack, extending life
save on daily charging costs


Numbers one and two for me are the interesting tests. If I could be so bold (you may be doing this without my suggestion), I would suggest you first test the cart that will get the solar panel. Would be great to have one or two runs where you drive 20 miles, take a voltage of batteries, drive another 10 miles, take voltage of batteries, drive another 10 miles, etc.. until you reach 48 volts.

After a couple of those runs, now attach the solar panel and do the same runs with the solar panels installed and compare. I am a skeptic that the benefit will be enough to offset the cost, BUT I AM very hopeful that I am wrong and look forward to your results.

Good Luck,
Alan

[jimbo2012]

Oh no!!!! thanks Alan for putting me under pressure:1rotfl:

That's me in the pic below under pressure/under the cart, buddy

We did the cost to charge the batteries going a full day about 30-35 miles

using a kill a watt meter see pic below


$1.92 Total cost to me @ $0.10 per KWH for the daily charge

Lets call it about $2 (+ -) a day to charge your battery pack.
Or $60 a month or $720 a year.

The solar install you will get a tax credit on say 30% of $1200 purchase price.

The ROI is pretty good and you have a much better chance of having your batteries always in tip top shape meaning you can get more years out of them.

As for the carts mine is 48V 6-8 volt pack on Club Car (I like those with the alum frame)
I'll build one for my wife 48V but with 4 12V, I want to see the difference with the weight of two less batteries about 125 lbs v distance and charge hold capabilities.


.