My class is making an electric vehicle and I need to know if it is better to mount a solar panel at an angle or flat on the back of the truck we’re using. Please cite your sources so I can check your information. Thank you.
My class is making an electric vehicle and I need to know if it is better to mount a solar panel at an angle or flat on the back of the truck we’re using. Please cite your sources so I can check your information. Thank you.
Much like the Mars rovers, I would lay them flat. The rovers however also have the ability to follow the sun while they are stationary so they can absorb the maximum amount of energy, but I doubt yours will be as complex as NASA’s
Flat would be the choice as the sun and cars are always in motion. By placing it flat no matter the angle or location of the sun the solar panels should be able to create some electricity. You would only angle them if you knew from which direction the sun was coming from.
That depends on where you plan to drive it and where in the world this is located. And time of year.
In general, flat is better as it has the best chance of getting some sun.
But, for example, you are on a trip across the US in winter, from E to W, then the sun would be mostly on your left, so you should mount it at an angle facing the left.
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Don’t put them at an angle unless you plan on always driving at the same angle from the sun.
How about having someone ride in the bed w/ the panels to keep them pointed at the sun? That’d be easier than making some sort of tracking system.
You can get an adjustable RV mount. It would be flat when driving, and when parked tilt it up towards south. See an example here. http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Panel-Mounting-Trackers/RV-Specialty/IronRidge-Uni-Rv-Adjustable-Mount/p1776/. Never have it up when driving, it will act like a sail and get ripped off.