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Topic: How many solar panels? (split from Re: 2021 Models and Pricing) (Read 561 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Non-member Classifie...
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Re: How many solar panels? (split from Re: 2021 Models and Pricing)
Reply #25 –
The fact that they installed a solar panel under the overcab tips you off that this is purely a publicity stunt, designed to garner headlines from writers who make a living rehashing press releases as "news". Hey, why not mount panels under the chassis too?

It's amusing to run the numbers on this unit. Start with the 228 Ah of batteries--essentially the same as in a Lazy Daze. From this they are going to power the usual lights, stereo, fans, and so on... plus heat the rig (a massive power drain)... and drive it down the road (an even bigger power drain).

The claimed 100-mile range is pure fantasy. A Tesla Model 3, which weighs a fraction as much as a motorhome, has three times this thing's battery capacity. Scale that up to the weight of a class C and imagine powering it from a 228 Ah battery. Sorry, I don't think so.

Then there are the solar panels. The vertically mounted ones on the rear and side walls will provide very little power, since they'll only see significant light around sunrise and sunset, when the sun is weakest. When the company claims that the panels provide 3,000 watts of power, they're almost certainly adding up the rated power of all the panels... but those ratings reflect measurements at high noon on a midsummer day with a clear sky and the panel horizontal. The real-world output is going to be a small fraction of that.

Finally, with the entire rig covered in black panels--no air gaps--this thing is going to be an oven in warm weather.

I wish companies wouldn't pull ridiculous stunts like this to mislead the public. Yes, they got the headlines they were seeking... but how many people will read about it and think it's a real product?
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: How many solar panels? I wonder if Lazy Daze would go this far:
Reply #26 –
Quote from: Mike Coachman  - 
All electric motorhome:
This Solar-Powered RV Runs Without Fuel Or Charging Stations | Home Design,...

From the link.
"The car is perfectly capable of offering you off-grid status. There are solar panels installed, not only on the roof but on each side as well, in total 334 square feet of thin-film solar panels which can deliver up to 3,000 watts of energy. And you don’t even need a charging station!
The 228-Ah sodium-nickel-chloride battery, can get you.... just over 100 miles before letting it recharge."

Yep, drive one hundred miles and then wait a couple weeks to recharge before moving another 100 miles.
Great for the sloooow traveler.  It's a boondocker special and a beauty that you will spend a lot of time with, on long trips.
Make sure to camp in cool places, the dark panels will keep the rig warm when the sun is shining and stay out of the shade if you want to ever move again.

Talk about range anxiety .
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: How many solar panels? (split from Re: 2021 Models and Pricing)
Reply #27 –
As others have said, this is fantasy. 

By way of comparison, Toyota is working on a prius type vehicle that is covered with solar panels.  It has around 1/3 of the panel that this RV has, but they are oriented towards the sun (crazy, I know!) .  Toyota claims that the car sits in the sun all day and charges enough to travel 28 miles.  The Toyota has 34% efficient panel while the panels on this RV are probably half that. 

Toyota's New Solar Car Boasts a Staggering Range, Defying Solar Car Critics

I drive a Honda Clarity PHEV with a 180HP electric motor.  This 'Electric RV' claims a 107HP electric motor and weights at least twice (probably 3x) what my car weighs. 

I'll have some of whatever they're smoking!

Rich
'03 MB in NC






2003 MB