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Topic: Solar Powered RV (Read 102 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Solar Powered RV
Reply #1 –
Ah, those crazy Germans think of everything!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Solar Powered RV
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Jim & Gayle  - 
Now, just need the high ground clearance solar powered toad.
This Solar-Powered RV Runs Without Fuel Or Chargin
Sitting in the fog this morning, our 400- watt panels are producing less than 1-amp.
If our LD was solar powered, it would be stay in the campground day.
Here in Fort Bragg, the rig wouldn't move much in the winter.

I would love for advertising gimmicks, like this, to be tested in real world conditions.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Solar Powered RV
Reply #3 –
Add a propane fueled generator for those cloudy days and off you go.
Re: Solar Powered RV
Reply #4 –
Larry nailed it when he said "advertising gimmick." To anyone who knows anything about RV electrical systems, that rig is hilarious.

The first clue is that they mounted solar panels on the underside of the overcab overhang. I guess maybe they thought they'd harvest mega-amps from the light bouncing off the hood. Then there's the fact that at any given time, at least half the rig's panels will be in shade. They claim 3 kilowatts of power, but I'm betting that number is the total rated output of all the panels, which of course would only be available if the sun were shining on all sides of the rig at once.

And where does all that power go? Into 228 amp-hours of batteries, the same amount used to power the interior lights in a Lazy Daze. Even with a puny 107 hp electric motor, you'd be lucky to drive twenty miles before draining those batteries. Maybe they think you'll only drive on sunny days, so all the engine's power will come from the panels. But heaven help you if a cloud covers the sun and you grind to a halt in the middle of the Autobahn!

Did I mention that all those solar panels are the thermal equivalent of painting the entire RV black? The interior is going to be an oven.

I called the motor puny. Here's a comparison point: the article that follows that one touts a VW concept vehicle, an electric Microbus. It has a 369-hp motor. Now figure on a class C RV that's twice the size and four times the weight... with one quarter the horsepower. Getting the picture? No mountain driving with this rig! Truth is, the Iveco chassis used in this RV was designed for light urban delivery-truck duty. It's meant to trundle around a city at 20-30 mph and then be recharged all night from unlimited plug-in power. It's eminently unsuitable for long-distance, high-speed highway travel.

I could go on, but why bother? This item is completely impractical, unsellable, designed for the sole purpose of bringing publicity to the manufacturer. Which--look at that fawning GreenMatters article!--it obviously succeeded in doing.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"