John in CR
100 TW
The panel brand uses the top of the line cells, so that's good. I would try avoiding flex of the panels, because back and forth flexing shatter solar cells. The flexible part is really so they're ok to glue down onto a gently curved surface and leave them there, so for yours I'd fix one to have a rigid back and strap the others to it.
I do have a problem with the voltage, which is too high for directly running something at 12V. Those come in all kinds of sizes, so getting the right voltage is easy. Have the multiple panels in series match your pack voltage well, since the less conversion of voltage the more efficient things get.
While camping do you want to be able to unhook the trailer and take of with just the bike? That's the only justification I ever see for trailers. Towing them increases rolling resistance and wind resistance pretty dramatically, so my vote is for a cargo bike instead, which to me is an all-around more practical and useful vehicle. OTOH a very aero cargo trailer that is broad and flatish and long to be able to "fly" a significant panel area is intriguing, but the extra wheels on the ground and air resistance are formidable challenges to avoid a net power deficit compared to a cargo bike and much less panel area in service while riding.
What duration of trips are you considering? I can't think of occasions where an electric fridge wins out over a low tech ice chest, not using a lightweight vehicle like an ebike.
I look forward to your results. Our boys are finally big enough for the guys to head out like that, so come up with some great stuff to copy.
John
I do have a problem with the voltage, which is too high for directly running something at 12V. Those come in all kinds of sizes, so getting the right voltage is easy. Have the multiple panels in series match your pack voltage well, since the less conversion of voltage the more efficient things get.
While camping do you want to be able to unhook the trailer and take of with just the bike? That's the only justification I ever see for trailers. Towing them increases rolling resistance and wind resistance pretty dramatically, so my vote is for a cargo bike instead, which to me is an all-around more practical and useful vehicle. OTOH a very aero cargo trailer that is broad and flatish and long to be able to "fly" a significant panel area is intriguing, but the extra wheels on the ground and air resistance are formidable challenges to avoid a net power deficit compared to a cargo bike and much less panel area in service while riding.
What duration of trips are you considering? I can't think of occasions where an electric fridge wins out over a low tech ice chest, not using a lightweight vehicle like an ebike.
I look forward to your results. Our boys are finally big enough for the guys to head out like that, so come up with some great stuff to copy.
John