Pannier solar panel/charger idea - Opinions pls??

[harlequin6]

Any ideas if this would be feeeeezible??

There are various thin solar panels that are available ( Maplins atc ) I have a small paperback unit that will charge batteries / accessories atc that I fit into the clear pocket of my tankbag.

If I removed the handles from my pannier lids fixed a solar panel on top and then placed a sheet of perspex type material on top of that. With spacers I could re-fix the handles and the whole lot down to the lid.

I could then hang/fix the charging gubbins in the underside lid space. ( maybe a bag or cheepo cargo net ) and charge various kit/ rechargeable batteries on the move.

The perspex would protect the panel and not stop you tying stuff on if you needed to .

I know I have an accessorie plug but I thought more about long camping trips etc and stuff would still be charging with no drain on the bike battery even when in camp .

Any thoughts Oh wise ones ???

 

[Shep]

I suspect the little output you will recieve from a flat mounted panel will be serously reduced if perspex is placed over it, there are a few flexable panels available, designed for marine use, some of these can be walked on as well so would need no protection. So maybe more use to you.

Shep

 

[Sir James]

I was replacing an auxilary batterie in my Landrover and was offered a solar panel for my roof /bonnet and this would only give 25w max in full sun light and had to be attatched to a liesure style batterie for accessories to be run of , i think you would be better running a power lead/socket to your tankbag or box and have everything charged when the engine is running . the size of panel you are talking about may struggle to charge AA batteries in the UK with our average sun , if it works let me know
All we'll need then is a mini ice machine

 

[wesleyjohn]

i was think about getting one as well, i was thinking its better to run all your stuff from the bikes battery, as like it was said before, the need to have a battery connected to the panel in order to run/charge things as it doesn't give a constant voltage. my plan was once parked up at the camp site, take out the panel so it can top up the battery, while you are using the bikes battery power, and then leave it on the bike to get a good few hours sun in the morning, so it will top up the battery a bit more. but the best thing to do, is pug everything you wont to charge up over night, and when you don't need the bike the next morning, then see if there's is anough power left to start the bike, if there is, then you don't need the solar panel in the first place.

 

[Rob Farmer]

Put one of these in your topbox

http://news.softpedia.com/news/A-16-year-old-Boy-Invented-A-Hamster-Powered-Phone-Charger-7038.shtml

 

[komatias]

Slave labour at its best...I wonder if he has tried to sell the idea to any of the sweatshop runner corporations

 

[walti]

I looked at solar panels for power supplies, and they look like they'll do a good job.

Add up the wattage of the bits you intend to hang off the battery.
Multiply that by 2.5
Find a solar panel that big.

Trouble is I think it'll be a bit bigger than your topbox!