Solar charging for E-Bike

[Scoonie]

Sorry for reviving a necropsy thread... any experience with the cheap mpt 7210a MPPT? Lots cheaper but apparently a bit quirky?

[Gr8fun]

I have just ordered one of these. With a 160 watt renogy panel. If it is not usable on front of lwb recumbent then On the roof as dedicated bike charge station. 2 year payback.
I would be happy with 30 mile per day charging extra battery. This is not a dead issue. Some of us are obsessed with this possibility.

[Gr8fun]

a little heavy in the steering. But should be workable. Really excellent as fairing.

[Gr8fun]

A different view. Need another supporr and tensioning.
if anything slips a disaster. Redundant support for safetyy and tensioning for stiffening panel against wind. Really need two wheels in front.

[Gr8fun]

[dawgboy]

My solar charging system so I can charge my bike and do other things when camping. Check out the converter I used to bring the 12 volt power up to 52 volts. I am in process of making a new setup using 175 watt panels.


https://steemit.com/diy/@dawg-boy/my...-battery-packs

[dwhitfield]

Don't use an inverter and a charger its too inefficient and doesn't allow for MPPT. Use something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx7m5ij14M4&t=6s

[Hydralist]

It is a complex question.

Generally speaking, I would say no.

But, if you're willing to spend some money and deal with large size panels, it's possible.

Most solar panels only put out under 20v, on a very bright sunny day that is, as they are designed to charge 12v batteries. Panels are connected to a charge controller or MPPT, you would need to boost the voltage out if your panels are to charge an e-bike battery, most are 36v or 48v. This MPPT are relatively expensive, $300+. If you have a 48v e-bike, you need 52v to charge. Under the best of circumstances, it would be somewhat difficult to fully recharge an e-bike depleted 48v battery under 5-6 hours of Full sun. You would need large panels, probably 2 x 100 Watts, 2 x 4 feet each, these are probably in the $250 range. Yes, portable, pliable and folding, are also available but much less efficient, they are really expensive.

You would have to charge during full sun, not use the e-bike for a while. Another challenge on trips...

Food for thought.

[Gr8fun]

I am glad i did not read this earlier. Fully potted genasun boost for 52 volt batteries about 200. 160 watt panel 2 5 foot by 5 foot panel mounted on trailer gives 1000 watt hours per day. Mounted on trailer. No more down time while charging. Ride while charging. Easy 150 mile per day with my bike 20 mph. 14 whpm motor only.
works so well i am getting a smaller panel 120 watt for mounting on fairing for everyday use. Should keep battery charged for my daily use. And provide wind and weather protection, increased efficiency from aero effect. . Lighter and cheaper than battery. 160 watt is for long range touring.
Basically, it works for me.

[Gr8fun]

The 120 watt panel only put out 30 watts to battery. Returned it and got 80 watts to battery wth a renogy 100 watt semiflexible panel. Mounted on front of bike. Using it as a fairing i cut wind resistance and ended up getting 10 watt hours per mile at 20 mph. A cloudy day. A fully charged battery 13 ah 52 volt should net over 80 miles a day with full sun , more in summertime.
going to do more with the faring concept. Getting better mileage and faster speeds. Not as much electrcity produced but better efficiency. Not to mention wind break and protection from rain. Pictures are posted elsewhere on this forum. Next is to add a 12 volt battery and controller for it to power cameras lights etc. And a windshield.