Add solar power to ebike

sgunts813
sgunts813 Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
I'm trying to get a solar panel to put on my backpack to power my e-bike, the place where I got my bike said that I need no more than 2 amps to power 36v to 48v, any suggestions?
Tagged:
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #2
    2 amp panel @48 volts:

    2 amps * 48 volts * 1/0.77 panel+controller deratings = 125 Watt solar panel(s) minimum...

    You need to find out what the charger'/e-bike needs (min/max voltage, current, etc.)... Solar panels have variable power output and you need a fairly wide voltage acceptance range to work correct. 

    Don't want to start a Lithium Battery fire with your e-bike.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
    · Share on Twitter
  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,006 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    If you aren't familiar with solar panels, understand that 125 watts is NOT a size you would want to "...put on your backpack..."
    Also a backpack would typically not be a good orientation to get great efficiency out of your panel... AND anything blocking the sun from directly lighting your panel will cut the output 60-90%.

    FWIW - I'm a fan of cycling and solar. Pic cira 1999, from a 7000mile trip around the eastern US. That's a 10 watt solar panel on the trailer in the last photo that powered a light, fan, radio at night....

    A 125 watt panel of the most efficient panels would cover the trailer.

    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories