How many are getting the solar option

[CyberScott]

The solar option would be nice. Imagine the possibilities, camping, off grid building etc.
I am definitely getting it when available.
Also an option for vehicle to house or vehicle to vehicle would be nice

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[nordenvonthule]

Even if it just counteracts the little phantom drain and/or helps with climate control in the cab, I am interested. I live in northern Minnesota, so I probably wouldn't get 15mi per day charge from it very often.

Any guesses on the price? I'm thinking maybe $3-5k

 

[chphilo]

I am definitely getting this option. I live in PA, so I don't expect 15 extra miles, but even 5-10 would be nice.

 

[ajdelange]

There are other threads that discuss this. Don't expect a solar array to do as much as you might think. The numbers just don't work out. You won't even get 15 miles per day charging out of it.

As to cost a 3 square meter array will collect 3 kW on a clear day close to the summer solstice. Assuming the Shockley limit is reached by then it would produce a bit less than 1 kW and at the nominal $2.30 per Watt that means $2-3K is not an unreasonable estimate. But on a car? As it can't really do anything practical it will be in the "bells and whistles" category and probably go for $4-6K.

But yes, I'll probably get it. Bells and whistles are what this high tech stuff is all about.

 

[K Doc Brown 007]

Probably not getting it.... 3 reasons:
1. Likely cost outweighs benefit
2. Concerns of durability... being it is on the cover, it’ll be moving frequently... things may get dropped on it.... It’s on a frequently used space ?
3. I put 30k + miles per year on a car.... makes the cost calculation more challenging than a local commuter

 

[David R Kirkpatrick]

There are other threads that discuss this. Don't expect a solar array to do as much as you might think. The numbers just don't work out. You won't even gety 15 miles per day charging out of it.

As to cost a 3 square meter array will collect 3 kW on a clear day close to the summer solstice. Assuming the Shockley limit is reached by then it would produce a bit less than 1 kW and at the nominal $2.30 per Watt that means $2-3K is not an unreasonable estimate. But on a car? As it can't really do anything practical it will be in the "bells and whistles" category and probably go for $4-6K.

But yes, I'll probably get it. Bells and whistles are what this high tech stuff is all about.

I agree with your estimates. My concern is the effect on the bed cover in terms of fragility and repairability. A folding solar array could be very vulnerable to scratching and other damage that would impact effectiveness as a solar collector very quickly. I’m a little afraid that it would become nonfunctioning artifact. I think that just continuing to open and close as a simple bed cover is a lot to expect. Maybe I’ll save my 3-5k for future bed cover repairs.

 

[SentinelOne]

Im there in concept, we'll see what's actually offered.

 

[Lazypleb]

I’m thinking about it and it depends on the cost compared to the benefit. I’m hoping it will be worth it as it’s pretty awesome.

 

[keyhere]

Really depends on price for me. Would love to have it and it would get a lot of use but can’t afford it if it’s several grand.

 

[drcarric2650]

I’m thinking about it and it depends on the cost compared to the benefit. I’m hoping it will be worth it as it’s pretty awesome.

I'm with you, concept is great, but I will wait for the specs, and durability and price information.

 

[Eye of Elon]

I am and i hope it's a solid, water proof, one piece vault cover. I just don't trust that rolling thingamajig to keep out the elements.

 

[Snuups]

I am not planning buying it. I don't think that it will do anything in comparison to cost.

 

[keyhere]

I am and i hope it's a solid, water proof, one piece vault cover. I just don't trust that rolling thingamajig to keep out the elements.

I agree wit you. Would rather a three piece or trifold version, easier to manage.

 

[jebinc]

Live in Seattle... so, no.

 

[Cybertruckfamily]

Yes, solar option. With the priority of the truck being toughness the solar option should be durable as well. I hope it is an option when my number is up.