I'm curious as to how these cars will be, in the future, used by all. It's going to be really expensive now, so how can it really help us?
The first hydrogen-powered car is owned by Honda.
With out nuclear power to generate the hydrogen, it is imposible for hydrogen to be used as a fuel source, JMO.
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If solar panels were on a solar home built in the Southern Hemisphere, should they face north, south, east, or west? and why?
I have mine facing North. They work fine. I'm at 38deg South.
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Would this punishment be sufficient to offset their carbon foot print? Would more be needed?
Um, no.
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I want to buy or build a tricyle that is solar powered. I don't need to go very long distances, but without a car, it's difficult. I want a tricycle because I want to add one of those bike carseats for my 6 year old to ride with me and I thought it would be better balanced and safer if the seat was mounted in between the two back wheels instead of me trying to balance us two on these Georgia hills.
I want Solar power to give me a little kick on the road for at least a mile or two when I choose.
What do you think? Any tips, ideas, or facts to give me? Do you know how I would go about doing this without paying as much as a used car?
Serious answers only! Thanks in advance!
The one EV car I currently have (have 2 vehicles that run on hydrogen also) I converted from a vw bug and is free to charge. As I live completely off the grid all my electricity comes from solar panels and 2 wind generators, which I also built.
However I did charge up at Costco in Carlsbad California (I actually only drove up there to fill up) if I remember right it was around $2.00
Not sure if you’re interesting in doing it yourself, but I’d be willing to walk you step by step threw the conversion. I've converted 3 of my own cars (a datsun truck, ford ban, and a vw bug) and a few for neighbors. I've also converted cars to run on hydrogen, ethanol and biodiesel, by far EV is the easiest.
If you’re interested here’s what it would entitle…
- The engine compartment is first cleaned out of any gasoline components.
- Electric components are then installed in exchange.
- A battery bank is built and incorporated.
- Existing starter and driving systems are connected.
- Turn the key, step on the gas pedal sending more energy to the electric motor, & thus more power to the drive system, which in return creates more speed, more acceleration.
- The system has normal automotive top speeds and acceleration, typical to the vehicle your modifying. If your top speed was 85 mph and your acceleration was 1 mile per min, then this will be what your left with after the conversion.
The methods are extremely simple, making the process possible for anyone, everyone, ANYWHERE.
Typical tools, hardware & supplies are used, making access to parts available for all.
Electric Conversions can be easily accomplished in ANY model vehicle, even tractors, Generators, types of machinery, etc.
Project lengths range from 1 day to 1 month.
If you’re interested I wrote a guide on it which is available at www agua-luna com
My last EV conversion ran me about $1400. Everything is available online. I have a how to do it yourself guide available at www agua-luna com that will walk you step by step through the process. If you have ANY questions feel free to contact me through the site. Here’s a list of what you'd need...
Advanced DC Motor
The motor is an 8" Advanced DC series-wound motor. It weighs 107 pounds and is rated at 68 peak horsepower. These motors are available in several sizes.
Adaptor plate
The adaptor plate mates the motor to the transmission. It is constructed of 1/2 inch aluminum and is pre-drilled with bolt hole patterns for both the motor and transmission. An aluminum spacer is also used for proper spacing between the shafts of the transmission and motor. Adaptor plates are available for many cars.
DC Motor Controller
The controller regulates current going to the motor. It is a solid-state device that uses a pulse width modulator (PWM) that sends short bursts of current to the motor at a rate of 15 kHz. Controllers are available from both Curtis and DCP.
Potbox (Potentiometer)
The potbox is a 5K ohm throttle between the controller and the accelerator, similar to the way a sewing machine pedal works. The potbox's lever arm is attached to the existing accelerator cable.
Main Contactor
An electric relay that serves the same purpose as the ignition switch in a gas car. When the key is turned to the start position, the contactor closes the circuit to allow current to flow to the controller.
Circuit Breaker
A safety device that shuts down power for servicing or during an emergency. The circuit breaker is installed under the hood and can be switched both off and on from the drivers seat with an extension or cable.
Main Fuse
The main fuse protect the system from high voltage spikes. A fuse should be installed at each battery box or group of batteries.
Shunt
A shunt is placed in series within the wiring as a means to connect meters. Shunts are available in different sizes for both high and low power configurations.
Charger interlock
A relay that keeps the circuit open so nobody will inadvertantly drive off with the charge cord plugged into the car.
DC/DC Converter
The DC/DC converter is similar in function to a gas car's alternator. It charges the 12 volt accessory battery by chopping voltage from the main battery pack down to 13.5 volts.
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I need a good book or plans would be great, even online plans would be great.
Yeah what kind? There are a LOT of them....before we had electricity, we had windmills. ;o)
http://www.mysolarsecret.com/blog/build-a-wind-generator/home-wind-power-with-this-homemade-wind-generator
Try this link!
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There are several ways to convert a house to solar-source power. First of all, you want to do an assessment of your geographic location and the number of average solar access hours per year. If you are in Minnesota, for example, it might be very difficult to get enough exposure. You also will want to check the exposure to sunlight that you housing lot has and any obstacles caused by vegetation or buildings. There are just some things you can't change, like your neighbors 50-foot tall eucalyptus trees that are between your lot and the path of the sun.
Some people use passive solar design to achieve lower energy bills, rather than go to the expense and trouble of buying and installing a solar-powered system. This can mean insulating your house more efficiently, improving R factors through the intelligent use of batting, windows, materials, etc. You can also try installing zone HVAC systems. Additionally, using any local winds or planting vegetation to help cool your house helps.
Passive solar can lower your dependence on electrical or gas source powered, but you will still need electricity. IF you get enough sun, or have enough acreage and money, you can install photovoltaic solar panels (think sky lab) to capture energy which you would store in fixed batteries (a lot of them, even today). For example, a 20W flexible solar panel costs about $300 (you can charge a 12V battery or use some minor DC appliances (as long as you have sunlight).
There are all kinds of different ways to do what you have in mind. The type of method will depend on the desired outcome. Heating water, for example, will be different.
For plans on how to build a solar panel system go to http://www.mysolarsecret.com/blog/diy-solar-energy/build-your-own-solar-power-system-instructions
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I'm planning to buy solar films from the local DIY shop to install on my residential windows. For those who have done it, did you encounter problems? What exactly needs to be done to install them properly? If i screw up while doing it, can it be removed without damaging the windows permanently?
Go to www.gilafims.com and read there. I have installed on several house windows and very happy with results. The biggest thing is getting the windows clean beforehand and keeping them clean during the installation. Lots of fluid sprayed front and back of the film. Do it on a cool window. Window cannot have any cracks or signs of stress like a shot from a BB or it will crack worse with heat. Some films can come off easier than others.
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I would love to put in solar panels on my roof, but how hard would it be, and how expensive? Would I be able to do the work myself, or would I have to hire a pro? Also I live in Oregon, so much of the time it is overcast, so would it really be worth it?
Not worth it unless you can get a fat subsidy. But Congress is working on a bill to provide a significant subsidy, and Oregon may have one as well. A solar plant costs about $10 per watt of installed capacity, and can produce a maximum of two kWh per watt per year -- which is worth about two bits. Without a subsidy, you are better off leaving your money in a savings account.
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There is a person living off grid a few miles from me. When his house was built it would have cost $15,000 to get poles installed to connect to the power grid. That became his budget for the solar/wind energy system. He installed solar heating panels, solar PV and a 1kW wind turbine to charge a battery bank, and even purchased a small portable generator. The system has been operating for several years. Payback on this system was immediate, and he hasn't had an electric bill since.
I'm putting together a small wind system in my back yard. See http://www.mysolarsecret.com/how-to-build-a-wind-turbine.htm
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Hi
Does anyone know how much it would cost to make your own solar panel, not one for heating water, but one that would provide electricity to rooms and appliances? And can it be done in the first place?
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NEW! SOLAR POWER CALCULATOR