Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA> writes:

> I once did a comparison once between the energy input from a solar
> panel and the requirements of a 50HP electric motor. With one HP = 746
> watts, it takes a LOT of solar power to move a vehicle the size of a
> westy.
>
> IF you could get by with a 50HP motor to push your vehicle I would
> expect about 25-30 minutes of operation for each WEEK spent charging
> the batteries. If you factor in the losses created by the aerodynamic
> drag caused by the solar panel it would probably come out equal.

I don't remember the details, but HP of an electric motor is rated
differently from an internal combustion engine.  A 50HP electric motor
would likely be adequate; it's actually carting an adequate power source
around that is the issue.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL