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Sianelle
07-24-08, 07:27 PM
Solar Trike :)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-Trike/
jerryt
07-25-08, 12:01 AM
Looks like a fun project.
carkmouch
08-03-08, 02:23 AM
That's a really cool trike, but I think a better approach would be to develop a solar powered velomobile, fully or semi inclosed with thin, lightweight solar panels lining the shell.
wernmax
08-03-08, 02:58 PM
That's a really cool trike, but I think a better approach would be to develop a solar powered velomobile, fully or semi inclosed with thin, lightweight solar panels lining the shell.

Yes, at least move the solar panels up over the top of you, where they can double for shade. Course that does move your center of gravity up a tad.

Very bad picture, but I envision something like this...
Sianelle
08-03-08, 05:15 PM
That's a really good point actually. The panels would be a lot less vulnerable as a 'roof' and I don't think they would affect the centre of gravity enough for it to be any kind of problem.
wernmax
08-08-08, 07:52 PM
That's a really good point actually. The panels would be a lot less vulnerable as a 'roof' and I don't think they would affect the centre of gravity enough for it to be any kind of problem.


If you want to cruise around 20 mph on fairly level ground, you need about a 500 watt motor, which gives you about 1/2 hour of 20 mph cruising (more if you pedal) on a 36 volt, 12 amp battery pack. using a 100watt solar panel would recharge your batteries in about 8 hrs of full sun.

I'd get 4-50 watt panels, in case you ever did tip over or break one somehow. Better to break one smaller panel (cheaper) than one big one.