Comments on: Geeky plan: Solar power supply IN THE CAR

By: Blars

Blars — Sat, 12 May 2012 05:26:13 +0000

Well, I have 450 watts of solar panels on the roof of my vehicle, which not only charge my house batteries (220 Ah) but also the starting battery durring the day. My alternator gets very little workout anymore. I’ve got 3g internet, but don’t use it when driving.

By: John Goerzen

John Goerzen — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:51:47 +0000

Replying to Steve – We’ll be on I-70 through western Kansas. Intentionally built through the most boring (and thus cheapest to construct) part of Kansas. Yeah it won’t be the same as at home and I may have some things to make up another time, but it works…

thanks Anonymous for mentioning OpenTTD. I hadn’t known of it. I WILL be installing it!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:22:16 +0000

This comment suddenly made me wonder: have you considered introducing your kids to OpenTTD? Given their affinity for trains, I strongly suspect they’d enjoy it.

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:44:48 +0000

Cool idea. My thing though is, you are traveling in a car, with things going by to look at, and two kids in the back. Do you really think you are going to get any work done? ;-) Of course just because a geeky project may not be fully utilized is no reason not to do it.

By: John Goerzen

John Goerzen — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:16:54 +0000

Because that requires a lot more work – drilling holes (to get it into the cabin), cable ties, watersealing, etc.

By: FES

FES — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:14:25 +0000

Why not just connect a fused cable to your car batter? Your alternator should put out 50-70A, more than enough to take care of normal car power requirements and your electronic equipment. If that is not enough, it will likely be cheaper to install an alternator that puts out over 100A.