[thegrim22]

Am I missing something or are there no pictures of the 4000W version, only the 2000W version? The 2000W version's panels encompass the entire footprint of the vehicle so I'm trying to imagine how on Earth you could possibly double the wattage still.

[somid3]

You're correct. My first build was with wood (TERRIBLE idea). Wood is too weak and it weights a lot. The 440 watt panels wouldn't work, it would break. The carbon fiber telescopic tubes also broke.

Beta2 is made with 3d printed parts, carbon fiber, and aluminum. I also have to keep EVERYTHING (including the roof rack and panels) less than 165. So the 4000 watt version is being built now. The 200 watt panels are about 30x60 inches, the 440 watt ones are 47x82 inches -- so it still fits on the roof. However when the 9 panels are opened the overall device goes outside of the shadow of the car.

The 4000 watt model is as if you opened your doors... it would extend that far.

[gothroach]

I do a lot with solar for work, and had a few questions immediately. Are the Renology panels what you had access to chosen for a specific purpose? Some of the panels we use for high efficiency jobs are 400+ watts at a size closer to your 200w panels than your 440w panels. Also, have you considered using any type of optimizer or per-panel MPPT? Those can have a significant impact on real-world performance in my experience, especially in cases of shading or uneven panel soiling. With high efficiency panels, panel optimizers, and series stringing you could likely get to DC charging voltages (although at paltry amperage).

[nonplus]

MPPT will cause more shading, but if the gains outweigh the losses, cool (and with only 9 panels calculating that shading will be pretty fast). My first thought was that making each panel articulate is a tough engineering problem when weight is a concern (but with smaller/more efficient panels like you suggest maybe it evens out on weight.).

[AtlasBarfed]

So what are the panels in terms of weight, efficiency, composition?

Did you research any options for lighter weight or better efficiency panels? Are there any multijunction out there yet?

I wonder if a chinese fan design would be useful.