Thread: solar power car

I've been thinking about it for a while. I've just had my $8,000 grant for solar approved. That means I'll have access to solar panels. I was planning on using a 1 ton jap ute. With a frame on top from the front bumper through to the rear of the tray. Using a hinge behind the cab so to leave access for carrying sand etc. Not sure how many panels I'll be able to fit on it but should be enough to produce quite a bit of power. I like the idea that it will be recharging while I'm working. Range on my work ute doesn't need to be alot. I think 100km would be plenty. Of course it would be nice to have more but enough would be a start. What motor and controller did you use. I've been looking for an electric forklift. Gary

its not at my home and i did it i while ago so i acnt remember but will no in a couyple of weeks and ill get u some pics

I like the concept... Just hard to find room for the array.... Also complex here as gearing in hills and charge system on de acceleration would be needed like hybrids.


Id like to set up a small ATV here this way as would be smooth and quiet to operate. Be great for checking on live stock as wont scare the hell out of them on approach. Would be like ridding a horse except you have control

it would be great to have and it would probly have good acceleration but probly cost a bit

The atv is a good idea to try a few things out on without spending too much. The size of the motor will be easy to find. I bought a electric push bike off ebay to play around with. I've got a small panel about 40 watts. Will see how much I can extend the range. Also picked up an electric push bike wheel with a controller for $5 at a garage sale. Haven't tested it yet but it's got a good tyre so I can't loose at that price. With my ute idea I can fit the whole 1,000 watt solar system on it if I choose. I think it would save me more money on a vehicle than on my roof. If only I had a brain when it comes to electrical things. I like coming up with idea's to try though. It's pretty hilly here in Nambour so I might try a two wheel drive push bike. Won't have as much range but should be a laugh.

if i was goin to do a bike i would make up a mini solar station and make them charge batteries im hoping to get windmills and do the same i have made a couple of them but just for looks it was a very trial and error thing but you can buy a windmill for about$500 that will charge batteries it might seem like alot when electricity isnt much butits a long term thing but is interesting and i think we should be doing more of it

Originally Posted by locorr

The atv is a good idea to try a few things out on without spending too much. The size of the motor will be easy to find. I bought a electric push bike off ebay to play around with. I've got a small panel about 40 watts. Will see how much I can extend the range. Also picked up an electric push bike wheel with a controller for $5 at a garage sale. Haven't tested it yet but it's got a good tyre so I can't loose at that price. With my ute idea I can fit the whole 1,000 watt solar system on it if I choose. I think it would save me more money on a vehicle than on my roof. If only I had a brain when it comes to electrical things. I like coming up with idea's to try though. It's pretty hilly here in Nambour so I might try a two wheel drive push bike. Won't have as much range but should be a laugh.

I have a donor ATV for the job.... I'm thinking of putting a golf cart style canopy weight permitting with array as need the load space on front and rear. If it would charge on overrun may work as batteries may only have to absorb 60% of the duty that way. Sounds crazy I know but you would be amazed how often I cut the donk and coast down hill when working near stock. I seem to think on a long day a hybrid set up will be better but expensive and far to heavy

What are we talking about?

Can anyone show some pictures of a solar converted Land Rover?

Or any kind of solar 4WD?