Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA> writes: > I once did a comparison once between the energy input from a solar > panel and the requirements of a 50HP electric motor. With one HP = 746 > watts, it takes a LOT of solar power to move a vehicle the size of a > westy. > > IF you could get by with a 50HP motor to push your vehicle I would > expect about 25-30 minutes of operation for each WEEK spent charging > the batteries. If you factor in the losses created by the aerodynamic > drag caused by the solar panel it would probably come out equal. I don't remember the details, but HP of an electric motor is rated differently from an internal combustion engine. A 50HP electric motor would likely be adequate; it's actually carting an adequate power source around that is the issue.
Allan -- 1991 Vanagon GL |
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