Some more info in the Wikipedia article. And yes, this is about DC Solar, which I guess many americans will know but as someone from europe this was totally new to me.

Wild just how far he got running this shit.

  • mosiacmango@lemm.ee
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    4 months ago

    How big is that trailer? Semi trailer big?

    Semi trailer is 53’x8.5’x13.6’. Roughly 6100sqft.

    Based on this site and somwhat lazy math, a standard semi truck trailer can have roughly 75kw worth of solar panels on it with 400w panels. If we can get 500w panels in the same form factor, we can get to 100kw worth of panels on a semi truck trailer.

    You may even be able to get even more panels on if you build in awning system like here:

    We ain’t to 200kw yet, but its getting closer.

    • SchmidtGenetics@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      Your math is off, it shouldn’t be 3 measurements for area, you’re using cubic feet by accident. So off by a factor of one of your measurements.

      • Cort@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        Factor of 8.5, since that’s the height of the vehicle. So 9-11kw. Enough to power a house if paired with batteries.

        • SchmidtGenetics@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          That’s actually not too shabby, and you could easily triple the capacity with some hydraulic foldouts. I would worry about snow load with that myself, but I’m sure it could be made to be sturdy enough.

    • Fubarberry
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      4 months ago

      No, it’s a lot smaller than a semi trailer. A semi trailer can hold at least a Megawatt generator if not bigger.

      The 200kw generator they use is a military model, maybe 4.5’x10’ in size?

    • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
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      4 months ago

      Less than 4’x8’, more like 3-1/2’ x 6’. Roughly 20 Sq ft. What kind of solar generation are you going to do in 20sq ft? Not much. That’s like 9 panels, at 100w each under ideal conditions.

      Once you start doing your own math for your own camper, it suddenly becomes painfully clear how limited solar still is, even with lithium batteries that weigh half as much as a lead acid, and store twice as much energy.