Solarvan!

[solarman]

This guy is nut's but fair play to him hbe has showed it's possible to power his van with solar power...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0v7wtGencalthough hbis van would be probably useless for anything else!
Solarman.

[TIMO]

cool m8,,whens yours being converted im all for this alternative fuel movement

[solarman]

8) cool m8,,whens yours being converted im all for this alternative fuel movement

well mine won't be powering the van that's certain,was due to go in for engine makeover today but not happened yet.
i've got most of my bits now so as soon as engine has had work done then i'll start on the camper conversion i have about 2 months to complete it for insurance and DVLA/VOSA,it's too cold to do any work outside so may just do inside work first,i need to test oven,fridge and cookers on gas side before i can do this and then rip out the existing seat box arrangement and redesign the interior layout.The solar side of things will only be useful for keeping batteries topped up and for wild camping or no EHU so as long as i match a large enough solar panel to a large enough battery that should be sufficient for a few nights.
Solarman

[TIMO]

That was only a forklift motor on an adapter plate to gearbox lnked to potentiometer controller with 10 batteries! peice o cake get the forklift charger too for when theres no sunshine,,,should be good for 60 miles on a single charge with decent batteries

[solarman]

That was only a forklift motor on an adapter plate to gearbox lnked to potentiometer controller with 10 batteries! peice o cake get the forklift charger too for when theres no sunshine,,,should be good for 60 miles on a single charge with decent batteries

yeah but i prefer my'space' and that set up would eat into my conversion!Better just to have electrical power for leisure than for driving in my grand scheme of things!
Solarman.

[TIMO]

Yeah 60 miles at best is limiting tbh , the batteries could be "underslung" under the van though as not to limit space , I can see the future from here

[solarman]

Yeah 60 miles at best is limiting tbh , the batteries could be "underslung" under the van though as not to limit space , I can see the future from here

i think in the not too distant future better battery technology will be available,have seen some research done in America on batteries that can power a house in the KW range and the big energy companies were worrried as we wouldn't need them
except for backup,i'll try find the link for you,
Solarman

[TIMO]

LI FE batteries are the latest i think , lithium polymer,,non lead. they can be charged upto 4000 times 1/3 of the size and weight of conventional lead.

[solarman]

Battery construction is the future,anyone who can design and build a high capacity long life battery will be quids in,
Solarman.

[solarman]

Timo,although this isn't the link i had in mind,it;s the same battery technology i was refering to....
http://www.naturalnews.com/028557_batteries_home_power.html,
Solarman.

[TIMO]

as soon as good batteries come out im going for it home and car