Solar TriFold 3kwh?

[HaulingAss]

Mix of Baja mode and rock, it's about 4 days total current setup, my wrangler does it in about 3 days. My biggest problem is by the time I actually start the trip I'm at 75%. Had to use a generator to make it out which took a long time and 5 gallons of fuel. Also needed to spend time rigging an extension cord because the mobile charger needed to sense a ground to work and even at that was getting less than 2kWh.

You didn't tell me how many miles the trail is.

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[rovert43]

I’ve looked into solar panels for truck, but I haven’t seen anything yet that reaches 3-4 kWh with a foldable design. Most truck-mounted systems are a bit more modest. The idea of self-maneuvering to catch more sunlight sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s a brilliant concept! Imagine the truck rotating automatically in camp to get the best charge—perfect for extended off-grid trips.

The manuevering capability would definitely have to be Tesla inspired using FSD features, but totally possible IMO.

 

[rovert43]

You didn't tell me how many miles the trail is.

6*15*3 approximately

 

[HaulingAss]

6*15*3 approximately

270 miles from start to finish?

That sounds like a fun challenge! Where is it?

 

[Crissa]

I love the portable solar idea but I feel like assholes will just break it or close the panels. Especially on the cyber truck. I’m so sick of the hate I deal with in this truck. It’s such an asshole magnet.

Ehh, if they're going to assault a solar build, they would attack anything not spewing fumes.

I've never had any trouble with my portable panels, leaving them sitting out at camp or atop my car.

-Crissa

 

[rovert43]

270 miles from start to finish?

That sounds like a fun challenge! Where is it?

Johnson road by bell mountain, problem is when you start the battery is around 75-78% that's why you need the generator and an extra day to get out around Mammoth lakes. That's the only long range one I've done so far. Ft Irwin makes it interesting ?

 

[Pops]

A 3kw solar array will be rather large. For example if you used 350w residential panels with decent efficiency. It would take up 9 panels, and around 10'x17.5', so just a little larger than the CT

Here is what that would look like:

Could you tow an offroad trailer? That would make it a lot more reasonable.

These guys have a pretty well packaged design that can fold away an 8 panel array. I bet you could DIY it with welding or bolting together parts from home depot if you were so inclined.

The most "simple" would be an awning style deployment that is popular. You stack them and just use heavy duty cabinet drawer sliders to extend them. Like this:

 

[rovert43]

If you were to rotate this design 90 degrees with a drawer design and mount just behind the apex of the truck then it would be accomplished. You would lose access to the tonnou and not able to see out of the top from the rear, but it would be aerodynamically sound with a wind break and would not protrude out of the sides or rear. 1Kwh in mobile form, 3kWh in stationary form.

Thanks for posting these visuals!

 

[Pops]

If you were to rotate this design 90 degrees with a drawer design and mount just behind the apex of the truck then it would be accomplished. You would lose access to the tonnou and not able to see out of the top from the rear, but it would be aerodynamically sound with a wind break and would not protrude out of the sides or rear. 1Kwh in mobile form, 3kWh in stationary form.

Thanks for posting these visuals!

Here is roughly what that would look like. It would be heavy, but you could have it pivot in the front and make the bed into a clam style camper. That would also allow you to optimize the angle to the sun.

 

[rovert43]

Here is roughly what that would look like. It would be heavy, but you could have it pivot in the front and make the bed into a clam style camper. That would also allow you to optimize the angle to the sun.

I have panels that are 8'x4' (825wh) & 8'x5' (1kwh) maybe can just go with 3 total if they were more custom sized panels?

 

[rovert43]

Here is roughly what that would look like. It would be heavy, but you could have it pivot in the front and make the bed into a clam style camper. That would also allow you to optimize the angle to the sun.

If you build it they will come.

 

[pricedm]

Interested in a solar roof mounted trifold panel capable of 3-4KWH also if the truck could self maneuver to maximize solar charge.

Might as well read up here.....

https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/diy-range-extender-charging-solution.21071/

and here...

https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/solar-battery-tender-for-long-term-parking.21572/

 

[rovert43]

Might as well read up here.....

https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/diy-range-extender-charging-solution.21071/

and here...

https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/solar-battery-tender-for-long-term-parking.21572/

Thanks for that, but this is a bit different. Assuming you're not coming back to a campsite more of a one way solution. This would be something that mounts directly on the truck and utilizes the roof mounts (8) and power jack top right (passenger side). The panels would be below the Apex on the back side so you could drive with them mounted and only have the other two come out when stationary (doubling as an awning).

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