DIY Solar Powered Tesla - THIS Changes Everything

Summary

In this video, the creator installs solar panels on their Tesla Model X in sunny Ventura, California. The process includes drilling holes into the car, mounting solar panels using 3M tape, and wiring the system to power an EcoFlow. After troubleshooting some alignment issues, they successfully wire the setup and test its efficiency, revealing the solar system generates slightly more power than expected, peaking at 135 watts. The installation adds a rugged look to the vehicle, while the creator reflects on the excitement of an unplanned DIY project and the benefits of solar energy for their adventures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mission is to install solar panels on a Tesla Model X, making it a practical and innovative modification for the vehicle.
• 😀 The solar panels being installed are durable enough to withstand the elements, including being stepped on or hit with rocks.
• 😀 The panels each provide 150 watts, with two panels totaling 300 watts of solar power.
• 😀 Precise measurements and careful planning are essential to ensure the solar panels are mounted correctly on the car's hood using 3M tape.
• 😀 The installation process involves drilling into the Tesla Model X, which was nerve-wracking for the owner, as it was not initially part of the plan when the car was purchased.
• 😀 The solar panels are designed to be mounted discreetly underneath the vehicle's hood to maintain aerodynamics and avoid impacting the car’s range.
• 😀 The owner took extra care in cleaning the car's surface before applying the solar panels, despite the unconventional nature of the task.
• 😀 There were some minor alignment issues during the installation, but the team found a solution by sanding down parts to make them fit properly.
• 😀 The owner was introduced to solar technology through a trip to the Netherlands, where he became inspired to retrofit the car for solar power.
• 😀 After completing the installation, the system was tested, showing slightly more efficiency than the standard DC outlet, with up to 135 watts achieved under ideal conditions.

Q & A

What is the goal of the project described in the script?

The goal of the project is to install solar panels on a Tesla Model X (referred to as 'Beluga') to provide additional power for the car, particularly for an EcoFlow charging station.

Why was the decision made to drill holes in the Tesla Model X?

The holes were necessary to install junction boxes for the solar panels, which would be mounted on the hood of the car. Drilling holes was needed to secure the electrical components in place.

How were the solar panels described in terms of durability?

The solar panels were described as durable enough to withstand impacts, such as being stepped on, poked with a stick, or hit by rocks, similar to a paint protection film (PPF). They are vacuum-sealed and designed for outdoor durability.

What is the power output of each solar panel?

Each solar panel generates 150 watts, and the total power output of the two panels is 300 watts.

What challenge was faced when mounting the solar panels on the Tesla Model X?

The main challenge was ensuring proper alignment of the panels, especially since the 3M tape used for mounting only allowed for one attempt. They also had to ensure that the panels did not interfere with the car's design, particularly avoiding drilling through multiple layers of material.

What modifications were made to the solar panel installation process to improve aerodynamics?

The team chose to mount the junction boxes from underneath the car’s hood rather than on top to maintain a slick, tucked-away appearance and to minimize impact on the car's aerodynamics.

What was the reaction to drilling the first hole in the Tesla Model X?

There was a mix of excitement and nervousness. Drilling into the Model X was a significant moment, especially since it was the first hole in the car, but it was also viewed as an important step in the DIY solar installation.

What was discovered during the installation that required further adjustments?

During the installation, an issue was discovered with the alignment of the solar panels. There was an air bubble trapped, and the panels were not flush in certain areas. Adjustments were made to fix this by either sanding down the area or finding a way to better tuck the panels.

What soldering task was performed as part of the solar panel setup?

The soldering involved connecting the positive and negative wires to the solar panels using XT60 connectors. The process was new to the person involved, but they followed guidance to ensure proper connections.

How was the efficiency of the solar setup tested?

The efficiency of the solar setup was tested by checking the wattage output from the solar panels while driving. Initially, the car generated 114 watts, and it peaked at 135 watts, which was more than what would be achieved using a standard DC outlet.