Expandable solar roof rack adds 1 kW of off-grid charging for EVs for $3k. Adds 10-20 miles per day
Expandable solar roof rack adds 1 kW of off-grid charging for EVs
Expandable solar roof rack adds 1 kW of off-grid charging for EVs for $3k. Adds 10-20 miles per day
Expandable solar roof rack adds 1 kW of off-grid charging for EVs
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>LA-based startup DartSolar said its electric vehicle roof rack attachment adds 10 to 20 miles of additional range per day.
>The roof rack adds 360 W of solar capacity when stowed for driving and can expand to 1000 W in a folded-out 1 kW array. The low-profile solar rack stands 1.5 inches tall and can expand in 15 seconds.
>The unit is currently priced at $2,950. DartSolar said with a ten-year lifespan the product has an expected payback period of two years and a 5x return on investment.
>“With advancements in tandem solar cell technology by companies like Kaneka Corporation and Oxford PV, DartSolar is currently designing a 3,000-watt solar roof rack capable of providing 30 to 40 miles of charge per day,” said DartSolar.
It won’t replace grid chargers, but since [93% of car trips are under 30 miles](https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw-1230-march-21-2022-more-half-all-daily-trips-were-less-three-miles-2021), 10-20 miles is useful.
And how much mileage do you lose from the sail on your roof?
Seems like it would be valuable in an emergency but nobody’s putting those stupid looking panels on their car semi-permanently. Not for $3K at least.
That’s great but I don’t understand the roof mount.
Just make it a 10ft x 10ft that comes with telescoping feet so you can angle it for the right time of day.
It’d be useful for extended power outages or camping. extra points if it could fold down to fit in a small trailor.
There is no economic viability to this other than extreme people looking to go completely off-grid
it’s funny I was just reading jow roof panels on your car would give such nominal gains as to be worthleas.guess someone thought it was worth something.
My question is, how does it connect to your battery system? Didn’t see any info in the article, are you plugging into the port at all times? I like the idea of it, just wish the whole roof of the y or 3 was a solar panel instead of glass, built right in, no loss of aerodynamics, less weight. Maybe someday.