I have solar working on a Bosch bike. I offered to put something up but there were zero responses. That said, I am not sold on solar as the best option. I’ve done this ride (last year) with a much smaller panel, and after Santa Barbara it’s going to start getting windy. I have access to a wind tunnel at home so my original plan this year was to test “how large” for my set-up, but this is on hiatus as the wind tunnel is closed at the moment for obvious reasons. I’m currently working on swapping a logic controller for mppt to divert “extra charge” to a useful purpose.
Knowing that you have the ability to move 100+ miles (fully loaded) is very reassuring and way easier psychologically if it's not an out-n-back ride. But it isn't something people are going to want to do much, especially if there are 4 or more hours of charging time added during the heat of the day to the time spent on the bike. And that's only if you have enough solar ability to charge at 300W or more, a single 100W panel isn't going to do the trick even if you attempt to have it collecting while riding which I don't recommend to anyone because of wind. The biggest advantage is that when I do find an outlet during the day to use my charger I can pull the panel out and charge both packs simultaneously. Just remember that the second you rely on a solar panel for charging it will rain for a week straight. There is never a lack of people trying to capitalize (money, sponsors, recognition, thumbs-up, or even silly little emojis from strangers) by putting their experience down in a book like its gospel, just look at YouTube and drop a quarter into the Pateron slot and drink in the myopic wisdom. Knowing the base requirements is what's most important, like if you are building an eTouring Bike a frame that can hold a 30Ah pack is essential in my opinion. Knowing what the minimum wattage required to minimize charging time is the most important thing in selecting a panel. Stay safe.
I agree with many of the points made here. I’ll add a few more.
My advice to everyone is to ditch the chargers that come with the undersized batteries production ebike are sold with. They are designed to fully charge a pack as fast as possible without noticeable damage to the pack but cut the number of recharge cycles by as much as 2/3rds... think that's not planned? Don't take that turn to start with and you won't have to try and correct it "down-the-road". Rigid panels are not the way to go for touring on a bike. They are great for RV camping when you can easily carry 3 or 4 but have too many downsides to use on a bike. My 300W panel is only about 2 lbs more than 3 100W rigid panels and is way more durable. Rain can be an issue but you don't need full direct sun for a good panel to collect a full charge just more time. By PowerPack do you mean a solar generator system?
PowerPacks are the super portable Bosch batteries with built-in handles. Excellent range:weight ratio. Easiest pack to stealth charge. Regarding discharge cycles: my oldest PowerPack is > 3yo with hundreds of full cycles. No discernible range hit yet. I would not be surprised if it outlasts my need for it.
PowerPacks... got it. A name for a proprietary battery pack... with a handle. Why's that good? Unless you want to do some curls during the ride. How is it any more or less "easy" to stealth charge a battery with a handle? And do you find the need to be stealthy when you Are charging? I either charge somewhere or I don't, but I don't feel the need to sneak around to do so. Another huge advantage of using large capacity packs is that they can be charged at higher amps (faster) and without damage.
1. I actually have done curls w/ 2 PowerPacks. Useful little devils.
"As long as you're happy with what you have there isn't a problem ..."
Exactly. Life is about trade-offs. I look forward to bumping into you on the road and checking out your set-up. Who knows? You might find something you like about my Bosch set-up. Could happen.
They're pretty. Stylish. New. Like a wife before you get married.
If a 30Ah pack fits get it. That will give you the out-n-back range you want with a single pack that you don't have to abuse. Plans are ok but.... better to be prepared for anything. I saw a large RV that the whole top was covered in solar panels, couldn't even see them from the ground.
They're pretty. Stylish. New. Like a wife before you get married.
You're showing your age man. Stay safe.
I tried to split the difference in my mounting. I used aluminum bar for the front and back, allowed the panel to bend in the middle, and am using 550 cord to maintain tension so that vibration and stress is transferred mostly to the aluminum. These were designed for sailboats and other installations where vibration would be near constant, and from all appearances they seem fairly sturdy. Now, if internally any of the stresses cause issues, well that's where I guess I just have to rely on the warrantee, and the company is in bicycle distance for me.
For the MPT, if you save your setting in position 00, and you set it to start in the on position, then when power is restored it starts back up (albeit with the MPPT ramp up time). Had to watch a few tutorials to learn that. On the trailer, I got it from someone who attended a show they were at, they had issues for years getting it to work with their bike (because like mine, it has an extended rear deck) so they wound up giving it to me. Built a hitch for my deck, worked out getting it motorized so now I have two motors working while I'm on the road.
I see, the “auto-on” is still leaving you with 10-15s gaps, though. Any feel for how often that might be happening? I recall now that when I researched it, I passed bc I was told it cuts out a lot. Might be a different story where you are. How far are you going?
I've not tried using the charger while moving (charging the standby battery), I've only used it so far when stationary and clear, and under those conditions, there have been no cutoffs. When I get back on the road I'll get some more real world numbers (bringing a multimeter and some other tools). One of the things I have on order is a display screen with a shunt that will tell me exactly what volts and amps are flowing, I'll hook that up to monitor the charging while I'm moving.
. I'm doing this Forrest Gump style, just sorta riding.That's the best way to find interesting things and places.
