Author name: Stef Xuo

Luc's solar scooter

Introduction Passionate about light mobility and solar energy, I brought these two interests together by building a solar bike with photovoltaic panels. For this first realization, I wanted a system as simple and as cheap as possible. Indeed, I was not sure I would succeed although a few simple calculations showed that it could only …

Luc's solar scooter Read More »

Connecting solar panels

Principles The electrical energy by a photovoltaic panel varies according to the sunshine. However, charging a battery requires an electrical voltage adapted to this battery. It is therefore not possible to directly connect a solar panel to a battery. The panel is connected via a solar charge controller whose role is to adapt and limit …

Connecting solar panels Read More »

Comparative energy performance test of 4 solar panels

How to choose solar panels? What are the differences in energy performance of panels from different manufacturers? Can the technical specifications indicated on the panels be trusted? So many questions that solar bike designers ask themselves. As we will see below: the specifications mentioned on a label do not always hold true. The purpose of …

Comparative energy performance test of 4 solar panels Read More »

Knowledge about solar panels

Understand everything about photovoltaic panels: power specification, efficiency of the panel according to the assembly, inclination with respect to solar radiation, impact of temperature on production, role of diodes on a series of cells, impact of shadows on electricity production, consequences of shocks on a panel…Conference by Christophe DUGUÉ (Photowatt) during a preparation meeting for …

Knowledge about solar panels Read More »

Components of a solar bike

It involves combining a bicycle, an electric assistance system and solar equipment. We will describe below the necessary elements and consider the different possibilities available. The bike It is possible to use either to use a commercial electrically assisted bicycle, or to use a conventional bicycle to which an electrification kit is added. A commercial …

Components of a solar bike Read More »