Flexible solar panels can power your Tesla EV with renewable energy, unlike permanent installations that may affect its functionality. Although not highly effective, these panels can bend to the curve of your car’s roof and give you some extra miles from the sun. Today we will explore the ways to mount flexible solar panels for Tesla car roof.
How to Mount Flexible Solar Panels for Tesla Car Roof
Two portable options that allow for self-charging while parked are as follows:
- Placing flexible solar panels on the car roof and hood.
- Folding them in the trunk and spreading them out in the sun when charging.
Flexible panels are thin, lightweight, and bendable, but not as effective as regular ones. Here are the steps to connect the flexible solar panels on your car roof.
Materials Required:
- Flexible solar panels: They are available in different types and sizes for your car’s roof, allowing you to generate enough power with 4 to 5 (100W) panels.
- A portable solar charger to convert solar energy into electricity for car batteries. Choose a charger with compatible specifications for panels and battery. Options include voltage, speed, safety, and display screen.
- A generator neutral ground bonding plug connects the neutral and ground wires of the solar charger to the car’s electrical system, preventing shocks or damage.
- A power strip allows you to plug multiple electrical devices into a single socket.
The steps for installing flexible solar panels for Tesla car roof are:
Step 1: Park your car in a spot with ample sun and no shade.
Step 2: Unpack the flexible solar panels and lay them flat on the car’s roof. You can use some adhesive tape or suction cups to secure them in place. Make sure the panels are not blocking any windows, doors, or cameras.
Step 3: Connect the solar panels to each other using the provided cables. You can arrange panels in series or parallel, depending on the voltage and current output you need. The total output should match the input of the portable solar charger.
Step 4: Insert the generator neutral ground bonding plug into the power strip. This will create a common ground between the car and the charger and prevent any electrical issues.
Step 5: Plug the power strip into the output socket of the portable solar charger.
Step 6: Plug the Tesla Charger plug into the power socket and connect the charger to the car.
The electric car with solar panel on roof will begin harnessing sunlight and generating electricity. Consider using portable flexible solar panels to power your Tesla car instead of permanently installing solar panels on the car roof, which may affect the car’s functionality and void the warranty.
Keep an eye on the portable solar charger’s screen or the car’s dashboard to stay updated on the charging progress.
Additionally, you’ll have the ability to monitor the battery level and easily adjust the charging settings as needed.
Do not tamper with Tesla’s internal wiring to connect solar panels. Instead, use a portable method and a charging port. Moreover, Tesla does not allow driving while charging by default.
Also See: How to Install Solar Panels on Car Roof
How to Mount Solar Roof to any Car: DIY Solution
For installing PV panels on your EV, you can follow the same process as that of Tesla. But for a gas car, this idea is not practical, except for camping or a nomadic lifestyle.
Material Required
- Solar panels, either flexible or rigid based on preference, car roof compatibility, and budget. Flexible panels are lighter and easier to transport, while rigid panels are more efficient and durable. Check panel weight and size before buying.
- A portable solar inverter with a battery combines a solar charge controller, an inverter, and a battery in one unit, providing AC power for camping appliances and DC power for charging devices. Make sure its specifications match your solar panels’ power output and voltage.
- Metal frame for solar panels with clamps that can hold the panels and attach them to the roof rails of your car. Choose clamps with rubber inserts to protect roof rails.
- Use solar cables and connectors to connect the panels to the portable solar inverter with a battery. You should use the correct polarity and gauge of the cables and connectors for the solar system.
- Use cables and zip ties to organize the cables and prevent them from dangling or getting damaged.
To mount and connect the solar panels, follow these steps:
Step 1: Wipe the car roof and the roof rails with a cloth and some water or alcohol. This will remove any dirt or rust that could interfere with the clamping of the solar panels.
Step 2: Attach the solar panels to the frame using the bolts or the clamps that came with the frame. Check that the panels are secure and aligned.
Step 3: Clamp the frame to the roof rails. Check that the frame is secure and aligned.
Step 4: Route the wires from the solar panels to the portable solar inverter with a battery. If you need to drill a hole, consult with the car’s manufacturer first to avoid warranty issues.
Step 5: Plug the solar panels into the portable solar inverter with the solar cables and connectors. Make sure to follow the correct polarity and the wiring diagram of the solar panel system.
The portable solar inverter with battery should start charging and you can use it to power your appliances during the day or use the stored electricity at night. If your appliances require grounding you can use a generator neutral ground bonding plug as discussed in the guide above.
Also See: How to Convert Prius to All Electric with Battery Upgrade Kit
Car Roof Solar Panel Kits
If you don’t want to build your own solar system for your car, you can also buy ready-made car roof solar panel kits that come with everything you need. Here are some of the available kits that you can choose from.
1. EV Solar Kits: These are flexible solar panel kits designed specifically for electric vehicles. EV solar kits have the following features:
- High-efficiency solar cells and waterproof MPPT charge controller
- Battery monitor and all cables and connectors included
- Easy installation by clipping on the car roof
- Various products for different charging needs such as Commuter kit: charge while at work and Off-grid fast charging kit: extendable panel array
2. Solar EV Systems: These are 100 Watts flexible solar kits for gold carts and electric vehicles. Various features found in solar EV systems are as follows:
- Provides 2.77 amps to a 36V battery and 2.08 amps to a 48V battery per hour
- Flexible solar panel (46″ x 22″) that can bend up to 30 degrees in one direction
- Universal mounting hardware and 3M VHB tape for easy installation
- Waterproof digital MPPT charge controller with a simple two-wire connection
- All stainless steel hardware and industrial cabling with weather-proof connector
- Can provide an extra 5 to 8 miles of range
3. Roof-Mounted Solar Kits: These are universal solar panel kits that can be used for any car, RV, or boat. Some noticeable features of roof-mounted solar kits are mentioned below:
- Various types and sizes of solar panels
- PWM or MPPT charge controller, inverter, battery, and all cables and connectors included
- Can be installed on any roof using screws or brackets
- Can provide power for car accessories, appliances, or devices
In conclusion, installing flexible solar panels for Tesla car roof may not be entirely practical as they are expensive and have limited charging capacity. However, they can be used as a backup in a dire situation to overcome range anxiety. By using the car roof solar panel kit and following the above-mentioned steps, you can easily mount panels and enjoy the benefits.
Recommended: 8 Best Solar Carport Kits
