Solar panel for charging my battery?

[John F]

Probably been asked before, but has anyone rigged up a solar panel rig for charging an ebike battery and if so how is it done?

Panels are coming down in price, and I dont mind spending a few bob. Has anyone done the maths on using say a panel say 60 or 90cm big, any would I have to wait for ever for it to charge?

 

[trex]

You get about 100W out of 1sqm when the panel is exposed in bright sunshine, probably averages out about 80W/sqm in the afternoon. You will also need a 12V storage battery and an inverter to convert your 12V-14V DC output to make 230V AC. To charge up a 15AH battery, you probably need to leave the solar panel on all day. Charging from 230V produced by the inverter does not take any longer than from the mains.
It can work but is an expensive solution unless you get the solar panel for free.

 

[John F]

Thanks, I'll check out some costs. Why do I need a 12v battery? (i have one somewhere)(

 

[flecc]

Thanks, I'll check out some costs. Why do I need a 12v battery? (i have one somewhere)(

To store the output from the solar panel, it would never be able to run the inverter directly since it's output at best will be far too low.

Long slowish charge of lead acid 12 volt battery from the panel, then the accumulated lead acid battery content used to drive the inverter for the shorter e-bike lithium battery charge time.
.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

You don't need to be as complicated as that. You can charge your battery directly from the panel with a step-up MPPT charge controller like this one:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/MPPT-Boost-Solar-Charge-Controller-step-up-90V20A-charge-all-kinds-battery/1708497647.html?spm=2114.32010308.0.43.C5ihTE

It's still not reaĺly cost effective. It costs about 8p to charge your battery, so payback will be after about 2000 full charges or 60,000 miles.

 

[bmc]

Would a fully charged 110amp leisure battery be able to charge a 10ah battery through a 400w inverter without running flat ?

Charger is 140w

 

[trex]

yes, no sweat.

 

[Peter Eland]

Check this out for inspiration:

http://thesuntrip.com/a-solar-adventure/

 

[SteveRuss]

Check this out for inspiration:

http://thesuntrip.com/a-solar-adventure/

Got to love that sunny Italian weather.. !!