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solar flatbed

 Extends the range of electric/hybrid cars
  (+6)
(+6) 		  [vote for,
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This aerodynamic trailer would mostly consist of several square meters of solar panels. It would be connected to a car's charger and towed on sunny days to extend the car's range and lower fuel costs.

bonus: Build it strong and it can alternatively act as a regular trailer.

bonus 2: At home connect it to your home solar system.

bonus 3: When camping it can supply a good deal of energy to your RV or other devices.

bonus 4: You can jumpstart a standard engine off of it.
—Voice, Apr 23 2011

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       several square meters is a relatively large trailer for flat surface facing the sun. The sun emits about 700w/ sq meter averaged in the desert. Effiency of solar panels means you can capture less than 100 w/ sq meter currently.   

       However I don't think you would even need this trailer. The average individual drives their car for less than 10% of the day. I.e at work your car just sits there, same thing for home too. therefore if you covered your electric car in solar panels you could probably get 1-2 kw/hr's worth of juice during the day, enough to increase your range somewhat (and be free). There's been some talk of making car ports like this in sunny cities, to charge electric cars, as by default you aren't driving while parked in a carport.
—metarinka, Apr 24 2011
   

       several square meters is a relatively large trailer for flat surface facing the sun. The sun emits about 700w/ sq meter averaged in the desert. Effiency of solar panels means you can capture less than 100 w/ sq meter currently.   

       However I don't think you would even need this trailer. The average individual drives their car for less than 10% of the day. I.e at work your car just sits there, same thing for home too. therefore if you covered your electric car in solar panels you could probably get 1-2 kw/hr's worth of juice during the day, enough to increase your range somewhat (and be free). There's been some talk of making car ports like this in sunny cities, to charge electric cars, as by default you aren't driving while parked in a carport.
—metarinka, Apr 24 2011
   

       Aside, Interesting snippet on your profile, [metarinka].
—blissmiss, Apr 24 2011
   

       All good reasons, but I think the benefits of an unloaded solar-equipped-trailer would be outweighed by weight, road and aero drag.
—FlyingToaster, Apr 24 2011
   


 

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