Cybertruck as work truck / for construction work?

[JBee]

If there are solar cells, mount the cells on a sturdy surface, 3mm cold-rolled stainless steel.

Well what on top of the solar cells you think? Glass maybe? ?

According to EM at the reveal its transparent aluminium so at least its going to be a metal roof, even though you can look through it.

Sponsored

 

[slomo]

The most innovative twitter feature Elon could introduce would be a high/not high flag. Then we could sort what he says into two categories.

 

[FutureBoy]

The most innovative twitter feature Elon could introduce would be a high/not high flag. Then we could sort what he says into two categories.

Just so I understand, you are asking for a high/not high flag on topics Elon talks about in his Twitter feed…

Is the designation about the percent chance what he mentions will come true?

Or are you expecting the flag to indicate his level of 420 influence at the time he says it?

Just a hint: for anything Elon tweets about, here is how to determine your flag.

1: Is it a dad joke? Or meme reference? Then he is just joking. It still might come to pass but it’s not likely. Example: not a flame thrower.

2: Is it something that is dependent on the actions of others to implement? Then it is something Elon wants to do but it could fall apart because of external dependencies. Think Tesla going private at 420 funding secured.

3: Is it something that is seemingly wacky and not required for improving the state of life on earth? Then it’s something that is already being tested and is basically true but may not work the way you expect. Don’t count on what you think it is. Just laugh along / be amazed and wait to see the final outcome. Think about a CT that floats for a while here.

4: Is it something that was mentioned in the Master Plan? Then it’s going to happen unless the world ends in the next 10 years.

5: Is it something that Elon stated as a goal to protect humanity? Then as long as Elon is alive it’s going to happen. Even if he passes, it’s possibly going to happen within his projected life span. Think city of people on Mars.

6: Is it something he has stated as fact about an existing known product? Then it’s a fact but don’t speculate about what it means too much. What he said is true but your speculation is completely unfounded. Think about the BAW here.

7: Anything else Elon talks about. It is something Elon has thought about, done initial designs for, knows is physically possible, and would implement if he had spare time. But priorities necessitate it to be ignored for now. He is talking about it because he wants it to happen and hopes someone else will do it. But he’s not implementing it. Think of hyperloop here.

And that’s really about it. Anything you can’t fit into those categories is something you are not understanding correctly. Try to research and recategorize.

 

[Ogre]

Just so I understand, you are asking for a high/not high flag on topics Elon talks about in his Twitter feed…

It’s pretty straight forward.

I seriously doubt Musk posts under the influence … maybe ever. The dude works 16+ hours a day and by all accounts is extremely productive. You don’t get that way by being stoned all the time.

I do know some programmers who smoke weed while working so it’s possible I suppose, but I just can’t see him being consistently productive and consistently stoned.

Musk is just alien. He thinks differently from most people. A LOT differently. Like weird^3.

If he thought “normal”, it’s almost certain Tesla and SpaceX would not exist Today.

 

[firsttruck]

The joke is the rear glass roof will be the solar panel, so you can't get a metal option of that anyway. ?

Glass is common surface for solar panels but glass is not required and there are other materials besides glass used in production solar panels.

I don't think the solar powered cars like Aptera, Sono Sion use glass faced cells.

There are already some solar cells in production with stainless steel as the backing surface.

----------------------------------------

Inside the world’s first affordable solar-powered electric vehicle: The $25,000 Sono Motors Sion
Published 2022 Oct 27 By Katie Brigham @katie_brigham
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/27/worlds-first-affordable-solar-ev-sono-motors-sion-at-25000.html

.....
Sono uses a polymer-based solar technology that it developed. ″We have several patents, over 30 patents on that,” said Hahn. “And it’s a big difference because all other companies who try to integrate solar are using most mostly glass. Glass is heavy, slow in production and very cost expensive.”

----------------------------------------

Sunflare XPLOR | Rugged Solar for Off-road, RV and Overland.
https://www.sunflarexplor.com/
.....
Every Sunflare panel is made of our SUN2 cell starting with high-quality stainless steel, then layered with semiconductor materials only a few micrometers thick. The result is thin, lightweight and flexible solar. How thin is thin solar? Sunflare solar panels are 1.7 mm thick vs 100.0 mm for a traditional silicon solar panel.

.....
Rugged TOugh
Our individual solar cells aren’t made from brittle silicon solar cells, which are prone to micro-cracking during transport, install, and long term wear. Micro-cracking can cause shorts within the solar panel itself and can lead to hotspots, burns, and even fires at its worse. That’s not what you want in a solar panel.

Rugged Solar Panels Power Up Search And Rescue Missions
By Jeff Kart
Dec 21, 2018,
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffka...p-search-and-rescue-missions/?sh=33783cbf2b3c

Sunflare Solar Cells

----------------------------------------

Global glass shortage leads to increased demand for glass-free solar modules
2021
https://www.powerinfotoday.com/sola...ncreased-demand-for-glass-free-solar-modules/

----------------------------------------

SunPower Corporation is an American provider of photovoltaic solar energy generation systems and battery energy storage products, primarily for residential customers. The company, headquartered in San Jose, California, was founded in 1985 by Richard Swanson, an electrical engineering professor from Stanford University.
Revenue US$1.32 billion (2021)
Company Type: Public
Traded as: Nasdaq: SPWR, S&P 400 component
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SunPower

SunPower Maxeon Walkable Marine Solar Panel
1. Highest energy yield (power output) of any solar cell commercially available.
2. Electric conversion efficiency of up to 24.4%
3. There is no glass and no aluminum frame so these panels are considerably lighter
4. Popular solar panels for boat roofs, docks, camper vans/RVs roofs and roof racks.
https://www.custommarineproducts.com/semi-rigid-walk-on-marine-solar-panels.html

----------------------------------------

What solar panels does Aptera use?
Aptera is working with Maxeon Solar Technologies (formerly a division of Sun Power) as the cell supplier for its solar production program, and the carmaker's solar engineers have used the cells to create ultra-lightweight, curved solar panels. Aptera selected Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells because they are durable, lightweight and have minimal energy loss.
Oct 6, 2022
PV Magazine
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/10/06/apteras-solar-car-to-use-maxeon-solar-cells/

----------------------------------------

Glass-free solar modules by Green Akku that weigh next to nothing (no more than 3.4 kg).
Jun 3, 2021
https://www.pveurope.eu › solar modules greenAkku

GreenAkku Lightair Solar Panel
Monocrystalline solar module with a high quality double ETFE coating. The module is semi-flexible and has a sensational cell efficiency of up to 23%
https://www.facebook.com/greenakku.de/

----------------------------------------

Sunman unveils 430 W glass free solar module The new product has a power conversion efficiency of up to 19.3% and a weight of 11.2 kg. The module is produced with glass fiber reinforced plastic, which the manufacturer says reduces light reflection and opens up new assembly options.
October 29, 2021
By Emiliano Bellini
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/10/29/sunman-unveils-430-w-glass-free-solar-module/

Sunman eARC SMF modules use an organic polymer composite to replace the typical glass front sheet as a laminant. The polymer composite material used is extremely durable, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and climate conditions.
https://www.sunman-energy.com/eArc-lightweight-solar-product/details/15/

The weight of F series sits at 3.3 kg/㎡ with a minimum bending radius of 0.5 m. The frameless design also removes the need of earthing a frame.

SMF modules can be glued directly to the roofs by "Quick-bonding." Quick-bonding involves no screw penetrations or mounting hardware, which simplifies the installation process greatly.

Applications
1. Curved Roofs
2. Low Load-Bearing Roofs
3. Waterproof Membrane Roofs


----------------------------------------

Integrated Lightweight, Glass-Free PV Module Technology for Box Bodies of Commercial Trucks
Author(s): Christoph Kutter1, Felix Basler1, Luis Eduardo Alanis1, Jochen Markert1, Martin Heinrich1, Dirk Holger Neuhaus1 1 Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Heidenhofstrasse 2, 79110 Freiburg, Germany Corresponding author: Christoph Kutter | Phone: +49 (0)761 4588 2196 | e-mail: [email protected]
Event: 37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
ISBN: 3-936338-73-6
Year published: 2020
https://www.eupvsec-proceedings.com/proceedings?char=I&paper=49165

Abstract/Summary: We propose a new integrated photovoltaic module technology and manufacturing process for the seamless integration into box body roofs of commercial trucks to unlock a 90.2 GW potential in the EU. Our approach is to laminate c-Si photovoltaic cells with an ETFE-top cover onto conventional GFRP-hard-foam sandwich elements, which can be directly installed with conventional box body profiles. We find that VIPV modules must be lead-free and report results of Hot-Spot, Wet-leakage test and insulation tests to prove the electrical safety of the new concept. We perform UV, DH and accelerated TC testing on minimodules and find a mean PMPP drop of 3.6% for PERC, ribbon soldered half-cell modules after accelerated TC200 due to finger failure and partial ribbon disconnections. We conclude that conventional soldered ribbon based interconnection in combination with polymer based cover materials lead to unfavorable thermomechanical stresses in TC. We propose the usage of interconnection technologies that are less sensitive to thermomechanical stresses like Multiwire or shingling as we find that the mean drop in PMPP of shingle modules to be 1%. PERC Solar cells encapsulated using the proposed module design remain stable after DH1000 and UV 60 kWh/m². We equipped a Mega electronics e-Worker with a photovoltaic active box body featuring the first generation of proposed module technology and reported initial monitoring results after 10 months of outdoor operation.


----------------------------------------

Robust Glass-Free Lightweight Photovoltaic Modules With Improved Resistance to Mechanical Loads and Impact
Date of Publication: 14 November 2018
ISSN Information: INSPEC Accession Number: 18364715
DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2018.2876934 Publisher: IEEE
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8534462


----------------------------------------


2022 January
LIGHTWEIGHT GLASS-FREE SOLAR MODULES BASED ON POLYCARBONATE AND FIBERGLASS PROTECTIVE SHEETS
Conference: 38th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
DOI:10.4229/EUPVSEC20212021-4AV.1.29
https://www.researchgate.net/public...OLYCARBONATE_AND_FIBERGLASS_PROTECTIVE_SHEETS

----------------------------------------

 

[JBee]

Glass is common surface for solar panels but glass is not required and there are other materials besides glass used in production solar panels.

I don't think the solar powered cars like Aptera, Sono Sion use glass faced cells.

There are already some solar cells in production with stainless steel as the backing surface.

----------------------------------------

Inside the world’s first affordable solar-powered electric vehicle: The $25,000 Sono Motors Sion
Published 2022 Oct 27 By Katie Brigham @katie_brigham
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/27/worlds-first-affordable-solar-ev-sono-motors-sion-at-25000.html

.....
Sono uses a polymer-based solar technology that it developed. ″We have several patents, over 30 patents on that,” said Hahn. “And it’s a big difference because all other companies who try to integrate solar are using most mostly glass. Glass is heavy, slow in production and very cost expensive.”

----------------------------------------

Sunflare XPLOR | Rugged Solar for Off-road, RV and Overland.
https://www.sunflarexplor.com/
.....
Every Sunflare panel is made of our SUN2 cell starting with high-quality stainless steel, then layered with semiconductor materials only a few micrometers thick. The result is thin, lightweight and flexible solar. How thin is thin solar? Sunflare solar panels are 1.7 mm thick vs 100.0 mm for a traditional silicon solar panel.

.....
Rugged TOugh
Our individual solar cells aren’t made from brittle silicon solar cells, which are prone to micro-cracking during transport, install, and long term wear. Micro-cracking can cause shorts within the solar panel itself and can lead to hotspots, burns, and even fires at its worse. That’s not what you want in a solar panel.

Rugged Solar Panels Power Up Search And Rescue Missions
By Jeff Kart
Dec 21, 2018,
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffka...p-search-and-rescue-missions/?sh=33783cbf2b3c

Sunflare Solar Cells

----------------------------------------

Global glass shortage leads to increased demand for glass-free solar modules
2021
https://www.powerinfotoday.com/sola...ncreased-demand-for-glass-free-solar-modules/

----------------------------------------

SunPower Corporation is an American provider of photovoltaic solar energy generation systems and battery energy storage products, primarily for residential customers. The company, headquartered in San Jose, California, was founded in 1985 by Richard Swanson, an electrical engineering professor from Stanford University.
Revenue US$1.32 billion (2021)
Company Type: Public
Traded as: Nasdaq: SPWR, S&P 400 component
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SunPower

SunPower Maxeon Walkable Marine Solar Panel
1. Highest energy yield (power output) of any solar cell commercially available.
2. Electric conversion efficiency of up to 24.4%
3. There is no glass and no aluminum frame so these panels are considerably lighter
4. Popular solar panels for boat roofs, docks, camper vans/RVs roofs and roof racks.
https://www.custommarineproducts.com/semi-rigid-walk-on-marine-solar-panels.html

----------------------------------------

What solar panels does Aptera use?
Aptera is working with Maxeon Solar Technologies (formerly a division of Sun Power) as the cell supplier for its solar production program, and the carmaker's solar engineers have used the cells to create ultra-lightweight, curved solar panels. Aptera selected Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells because they are durable, lightweight and have minimal energy loss.
Oct 6, 2022
PV Magazine
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/10/06/apteras-solar-car-to-use-maxeon-solar-cells/

----------------------------------------

Glass-free solar modules by Green Akku that weigh next to nothing (no more than 3.4 kg).
Jun 3, 2021
https://www.pveurope.eu › solar modules greenAkku

GreenAkku Lightair Solar Panel
Monocrystalline solar module with a high quality double ETFE coating. The module is semi-flexible and has a sensational cell efficiency of up to 23%
https://www.facebook.com/greenakku.de/

----------------------------------------

Sunman unveils 430 W glass free solar module The new product has a power conversion efficiency of up to 19.3% and a weight of 11.2 kg. The module is produced with glass fiber reinforced plastic, which the manufacturer says reduces light reflection and opens up new assembly options.
October 29, 2021
By Emiliano Bellini
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/10/29/sunman-unveils-430-w-glass-free-solar-module/

Sunman eARC SMF modules use an organic polymer composite to replace the typical glass front sheet as a laminant. The polymer composite material used is extremely durable, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and climate conditions.
https://www.sunman-energy.com/eArc-lightweight-solar-product/details/15/

The weight of F series sits at 3.3 kg/㎡ with a minimum bending radius of 0.5 m. The frameless design also removes the need of earthing a frame.

SMF modules can be glued directly to the roofs by "Quick-bonding." Quick-bonding involves no screw penetrations or mounting hardware, which simplifies the installation process greatly.

Applications
1. Curved Roofs
2. Low Load-Bearing Roofs
3. Waterproof Membrane Roofs


----------------------------------------

Integrated Lightweight, Glass-Free PV Module Technology for Box Bodies of Commercial Trucks
Author(s): Christoph Kutter1, Felix Basler1, Luis Eduardo Alanis1, Jochen Markert1, Martin Heinrich1, Dirk Holger Neuhaus1 1 Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Heidenhofstrasse 2, 79110 Freiburg, Germany Corresponding author: Christoph Kutter | Phone: +49 (0)761 4588 2196 | e-mail: [email protected]
Event: 37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
ISBN: 3-936338-73-6
Year published: 2020
https://www.eupvsec-proceedings.com/proceedings?char=I&paper=49165

Abstract/Summary: We propose a new integrated photovoltaic module technology and manufacturing process for the seamless integration into box body roofs of commercial trucks to unlock a 90.2 GW potential in the EU. Our approach is to laminate c-Si photovoltaic cells with an ETFE-top cover onto conventional GFRP-hard-foam sandwich elements, which can be directly installed with conventional box body profiles. We find that VIPV modules must be lead-free and report results of Hot-Spot, Wet-leakage test and insulation tests to prove the electrical safety of the new concept. We perform UV, DH and accelerated TC testing on minimodules and find a mean PMPP drop of 3.6% for PERC, ribbon soldered half-cell modules after accelerated TC200 due to finger failure and partial ribbon disconnections. We conclude that conventional soldered ribbon based interconnection in combination with polymer based cover materials lead to unfavorable thermomechanical stresses in TC. We propose the usage of interconnection technologies that are less sensitive to thermomechanical stresses like Multiwire or shingling as we find that the mean drop in PMPP of shingle modules to be 1%. PERC Solar cells encapsulated using the proposed module design remain stable after DH1000 and UV 60 kWh/m². We equipped a Mega electronics e-Worker with a photovoltaic active box body featuring the first generation of proposed module technology and reported initial monitoring results after 10 months of outdoor operation.


----------------------------------------

Robust Glass-Free Lightweight Photovoltaic Modules With Improved Resistance to Mechanical Loads and Impact
Date of Publication: 14 November 2018
ISSN Information: INSPEC Accession Number: 18364715
DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2018.2876934 Publisher: IEEE
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8534462


----------------------------------------


2022 January
LIGHTWEIGHT GLASS-FREE SOLAR MODULES BASED ON POLYCARBONATE AND FIBERGLASS PROTECTIVE SHEETS
Conference: 38th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
DOI:10.4229/EUPVSEC20212021-4AV.1.29
https://www.researchgate.net/public...OLYCARBONATE_AND_FIBERGLASS_PROTECTIVE_SHEETS

----------------------------------------

I thought you wanted SS roof so you don't damage the glass roof? If so a polymer coated solar panel is likely to be easier to scratch.

Like all Teslas the glass roof is intentionally structural and performs better, for the weight and cost, than a sheet of aluminium or steel in their cars.

BTW thanks for the solar info, was interesting. First I've heard of a glass shortage.

 

[WHIZZARD OF OZ]

The joke is the rear glass roof will be the solar panel, so you can't get a metal option of that anyway. ?

The patent shows slats of individual solar panels forming the Vault roll-top. 15 miles added per day in good sunlight. Make mine 'Sunny-side' Up!

 

[JBee]

The patent shows slats of individual solar panels forming the Vault roll-top. 15 miles added per day in good sunlight. Make mine 'Sunny-side' Up!

Yeah I saw that, but electro-mechanically slated solar panels that move up and down, and roll around a tube, as well as have to compete with dust and grime, doesn't seem like an effective way to do solar for me. I'd rather have a fixed solar roof in the glass, low cost and can be standard accross the range. Semi transparent cells would be great to give you that sunroof feel.

The idea with the solar would not be to add range directly as such but rather to offset the parasitic loads of a "always on" car that drains your battery over time, and to offset the cooling and heating whilst parked, by running the fans etc. You might get a couple miles extra per day, but at least your car still works after being parked at the airport long term car park, and you can still drive home, or to the next supercharger after a holiday.

 

[Crissa]

Solar on metal is able to use cheaper, less flexible, more efficient crystals and the metal is able to draw off more heat than the resins used in transparent thin-layer solutions.

Just as a point of measure.

But yeah, that vampiric drain is a big deal. Alot of the complaints about the Lightning are people who leave their truck sitting out, not plugged in. This is dumb, yes, but solar would solve that issue.

-Crissa

Sponsored