@Lock
I'm not exactly sure what you're askining or discussingng but I'll try to shed sum lite . And provide sum hint-os to resolve your questions/concerns
*continues*
If you go to
this thread you'll see how I attached solar panels to my locally-manufactured trike's "roof". I never really intended to enclose that particular trike style anymore than the solar panel roof, as the front end precludes a simple, strong mechanical way to do so.
The whole concept to using solar panels for me, was to extend the riding day for long cruises around the country. BIG battery packs provide the bulk.
-off track-
While I hugely enjoyed driving around in my motor home I knew I was missing most of the scenery because, you know, driving. On a bike or trike riding 10-15mph (15-25kph) you get to see EVERTHANG, missing almost nothing. i.e a whole different traveling experience so that was my design goal for tmy continued travels.
I'm not in a hurry to go anywhere, nor do I have to be anyplace at any set schedule, so stopping for extended periods are not an issue for me (retired-no longer a slave) so I can compromise about certain things that would otherwise be a requirement.
-back on track-
Carrying enough battery and using the panels to extend the day is what my solar panel use was about. The panels, always exposed to the sky are always generating useful power. I'm using polycrystalline panels because they provide more power under poor light conditions, than monocrystalline panels can (usually) Thin-film panels do even better in low light conditions but they're really inefficient in full sunlight, taking up to 3-4 times the space to get the same power a poly or mono panel gathers.
-ok-
the panels always delivering 'sum' power during the daylight hours. To make use of this power you need to consider that the panel(s) is always subject to different conditions delivery different amounts of power because ... vehicles change position. Expect it. This is why you need an intermediary power system* to take the power from while the solar panels add the power too.
For an intermediary system the only (at this time) successful choice is rechargeable batteries. Currently, lithium batteries are the most efficient/effective choice. (i won't dwell on 'why')
funda-mentals
solar panels are made up of cells that generate about a 3-4V voltage potential when exposed to light. These cells are then connected in series/parallel combinations, much like batteries, to make up a panel. You can purchase panels with all sorts of voltage/current constructs. How you intend to use the panels in situ should really be the only concern. (but it never is)
There is a ready-made industrial output of 12V, 24V, 48V and (115/220) systems, where sometimes, duh**, cost becomes the issue.
My concerns involve acquiring stuff that's compatible with most my other stuff.
As mentioned I live in a MotorHome where most everything runs off 12V. Owning and acquiring more 12V solar panels serves me best.
The problem with 12V power systems is the physical size of conductors needed to get power from Point A to Point B (BIG THICK WIRE) and I have 6 gauge cable between my convertors and my batteries on a 18' ( about 3 meter) run for my main service loop. There are ways to mitigate the need for long service loops, -which I also use. I have battery packs where the service is needed, reducing the need for super-thick wiring.
I also use inverters (dc/dc and dc/ac convertors) majixly change 12V into whatever I actually require for each service point.
however, there's nothing magic about (aboot) it
-All this solar/converter stuff has been around, ready for yer consumption for like, ever. Now, cheaper than ever.
I'm tired of typing.
Use a MPPT convertor to interface your panels to your intermediary system(s) because without it, a lot of the power generated by the panels gets lost in the ether.
*They're called batteries
**always