I added a solar panel to charge my $2,000 electric truck

50W Renogy rigid panel: amzn.to/3AmN9iw
50W Renogy flexible panel: amzn.to/3pHNd7z
MPPT Charge controller: ebikes.ca/shop/electric-bicyc...
My book "DIY Lithium Batteries" on sale at amzn.to/2jbxvzS
My book "Ultimate DIY eBike Guide" on sale at: amzn.to/2BGx4Fn
The gear I use to make my videos:
Camera - Sony A6600: amzn.to/33twRHW
Lens - Sony 16-55mm F2.8: amzn.to/3K8X6nR
Thermal camera for iPhone/Android: amzn.to/2FikWvW
Drone for "follow me" filming: amzn.to/2UFOds5
Camera for invisible selfie stick shots: amzn.to/2Vb9D0r
Here are some of the products I use:
Bafang BBS01 kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/N0sm1W1w
Bafang BBS02 kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/EcGPWXRE
Bafang BBSHD kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/MMNrZUC0
250W complete e-bike kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cQzxxhpm
500W complete e-bike kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/o6rnMv1q
1,000W complete e-bike kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/NGZvnq3Q
36V 15Ah Hailong (shark) battery: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/CAEvhRSY
48V 15 Ah triangle battery: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/234OZ5Kg
52V 20 Ah triangle battery: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/m0huJ2PI
All ebike batteries: goo.gl/7pAi9Z
All 18650 cells: goo.gl/hYWnwU
100W Flexible solar panel: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/DurJQaTe
100W Folding solar panel: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/C9raRNuM
Cycle Analyst: goo.gl/RsmE3N
The parts that I use for building batteries:
18650 cells: goo.gl/aEabAQ
18650 positive insulating washer: goo.gl/HBVOuc
Nickel strip: goo.gl/VIrNQq
Spot welder: goo.gl/KN3Uaw
BMSs: goo.gl/S6gSQx
Silicone wire: goo.gl/xmpbKD
Black 18650 cell spacers: goo.gl/hQxWF6
Vruzend cell spacers: goo.gl/5ReLqA
Large heat shrink tubing: goo.gl/6v1ow9
Small heat shrink tubing: goo.gl/OU3Z6u
Foam sheet for protecting battery: goo.gl/5e71tE
Kapton tape: goo.gl/D6BT57
Chargers: goo.gl/js0T0V
**Question response book giveaway rules**
When you guys asks questions in the comments of my videos, I'll try to answer them. If there are questions that I think would make a good video response, I'll choose them to do a longer segment. If I choose your question for a video response, you'll win a copy of my book The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide (the paperback or the ebook), or my book DIY Lithium Batteries.
Here are some things that KZbin makes me say: This contest is not sponsored by KZbin and KZbin isn't affiliated with it. I'm supposed to provide a link to the community guidelines for KZbin (kzbin.infocommunity_gu.... KZbin is not a sponsor of this "contest" and by participating, you are releasing KZbin from any potential liability, whatever that might be. Privacy notice: I won't steal your info. If you do win, you can choose to send me your address so I can mail you a paperback copy of the book (or some other prize if that changes) or you can send me an email address and I'll send you a copy of the ebook. I will do everything in my power to immediately forget your personal information afterwards.
Outro Music: BenSounds

[@misobrilliant]

Micah, I agree with others. You need to put two of those panels up. Looks like there is room. I guess it may be a waste if you're only using 250wh per day, but doubling the energy capture would be awesome.

[@That_Son_Ofa_Itch]

Have one panel for running and actually using the motors. And the other for charging a bank as a reserve battery. Double or triple your Milage charge

[@chriscowey7464]

You can also get higher wattage pannels. On amazon there is a 100watt one for £71.60. Looks like it would fit. Still an interesting video though. Not sure at 6ft5 I would fit in one of those which is a shame :p

[@ligametis]

@@That_Son_Ofa_Itch It is not enough to run motor

[@sc149]

@@That_Son_Ofa_Itch The reserve battery could then also be used to run power tools or recharge an electric bike or whatever, wherever you need.

[@stevelibby6852]

No reason to not use the hood to mount another. Aerodynamics not an issue. Seems like two could fit on roof with minimal overhang, also.

[@glockieme]

Great little project. Would be nice if the flexible panel could be used as a temporary sun screen / shade across the inside of the windscreen with a quick hook up to the charger. Keep the cab cooler and get free electrons!

[@micahsdad5388]

True, but angle to the sun would limit the energy produced. It's actually pretty amazing that small changes in the angle to the sun make huge impacts in power generation. Thanks for your comment. Best regards

[@aisrael13]

or velcro it to the hood, as the sun tracks it could switch over and grab more rays?

[@orenyehezqel8178]

Or it could be installed on the hood or the truck.

[@SinkLikeStone]

Cheaper and easier this way

[@joeabad5908]

Oh, why haven't I thought of that.. This is the best part of watching & reading comments on these videos.. Thanks for the comment..

[@ericrmaki]

Love the Chang Li and am considering buying one for my 10 acres in Arizona. The solar panel idea fits right into my thoughts. Thx for creating this video!

[@arisusanchez]

btw he was wrong, you can get this licensed for light vehicle travel so u cant go faster then 40 mph or go on freeways you may have to add additional safety features depending on your state ordinance tho

[@Mawyman2316]

@@arisusanchez wish I didn’t live in a city, basically impossible to get anywhere I’d want to go without highway travel

[@ratheonhudson3311]

This is something I've always dreamed of doing. A trickle charge setup on a fully electric vehicle. Well done

[@melvinbarnes197]

I'm a retired Electrician and I have wondered about putting solar on the roof, hood and trunk area of the EV. Just like your EV truck while the EV sets in the sun it is trickle charging the batteries. In the future the solar panels will get more efficient and will help extend the range of the EV's. As putting 2 on your truck, could use 2 slightly smaller panels but combined would give more output and not be too big for the roof. Well Done!

[@paulmfti]

Your channel is so good, you really make it easy for people to understand the basics of ebike setups and the theory behind solar energy. One of my favorites was the building your own battery…that will be a future project I am sure…

[@tsbrownie]

Any time I drill into an aluminum solar panel frame I always put a piece of heavy metal down to keep from drilling into the cells. A few seconds saves costs and time. In regards to the angle of the panel, you can roughly estimate the loss by angling a panel by taking the cosine of the angle times the panel output. If you just scratch out a few example on paper, you'll find that up to around 20 degrees (if I recall) there's very little loss.

[@micahsdad5388]

Yep - we backed the frame with a chunk of metal while we drilled it. Hard to see as it was square bar stock but look carefully at his thumb holding it in place. thanks. regards.

[@abruemmer77]

5:46: "Suspension, that could use some, uh, existence" really made my day!

[@ChasB2010]

What a fun little truck! Adding the panel makes it even more useful. Great video.

[@Mitch_Feral]

It's impressive how much this small set up produces - my head instantly went to stacking two of those panels on top, and another, larger array on the hood. Electricity is cheap, but being able to largely opt out of the energy production loop seems ideal. Really nice video, and a good idea.

[@lazersloth3103]

Great little DIY. I wonder what adding a second panel to the top would do. It looks like you could squeeze a second one in on the top as well. Also, the flexible panel may work on the hood because it would have more support than the rack on top of the cab. Excellent job overall.

[@uHcoMHRk]

My thought exactly, a second small panel will do wonders for the amont of work this truck is doing around their property.

[@ml9867]

Having one on the roof angled back & one on the hood angled forward would help capture more of the sun no matter which way its pointing.

[@2manyhobbies76]

Flexible panel on the hood is a great solution. There isn't a worry about engine heat like with a traditional internal combustion engine. No-brainer. 100W on the hood and done. Plus then you could remove the one on the rack and regain storage space.

[@ruskokollektiv5457]

lol, that line about the dremel is absolutely true and well crafted

[@robertbrooks9275]

i'm hooked!!, i am watching your progress on this sweet little truck and it's fascinating ! you shouldn't need to justify why or where you bought the truck from to anyone, but the reasons you gave before were spot on. looking forward to the next chapter :)

[@barrymaddox6567]

Hi from Devon uk,enjoyed your video,I saw a demonstration where a solar panels output was increased by a factor of 4 by simply attaching 2 hinged reflectors 1 either side to the solar panel, it was done at a uni by a prof,hope this info is useful Barry

[@freddiemac327]

I'm looking forward to when you add shock absorbers to the truck.

[@luizdasilva007]

Love the panel trickle charge idea!

[@ARTSPECK]

Looking forward to your next update. It will be very interesting to see the full outlay since new.

[@sylvester4207]

You could definitely have fit 2 of them side by side to get 100w output

[@kyleheckman]

6:33 you should upgrade those cooling fans with Noctua Cooling fans; they are one of the best options for PC cooling so may help move more air inside your truck

[@valentine943]

probably should get the industrial versions because the silent ones are way way worse compared to the industrial ones

[@kennywheelus6857]

How much are those fans you speak of an where to order them

[@Wasmachineman]

@@kennywheelus6857 Any of the better PC part stores like NewEgg should have them.

[@matthewwalker7024]

I'm digging the mini truck series. Thanks for posting.

[@christopherh7315]

Nice, great electric truck/solar combo! Makes everything just that much more sustainable.

[@tonygray6354]

I love this little truck , seems very handy for your parents property, an now with the solar set-up just makes it that little bit more awesome 👌

[@micahsdad5388]

Thanks for your comment. We love this truck around our property. Almost one year old and working perfectly. Now better with Micah doing these great mods. Best regards

[@user-kk6ec4mj4g]

@@micahsdad5388 So you are the Daddy in the previous video? Nice farm~And I‘m gald to know you enjoy your mini truck. Love from China~

[@nebulous962]

I would have probably put second panel on top of the hood and then connect the panels in series assuming that your charge controller and battery can handle that. 🙂

[@stevenfaber3896]

His MPPT is only 40W, he's got a choke point on the throughput, he can't get it down from helios. This is a lesson in Buy Bigger than you need for solar...always. However, a good video and a nice setup - for florida.

[@danlee3055]

@@stevenfaber3896 do you mean 400W? I see 400W step-up on the meter

[@Raress96]

@@stevenfaber3896 The MPPT is 15A or 400W, so plenty.

[@LeDechaine]

Yup, Renogy 100W solar panels got smaller about 2 years ago. There's probably space for one 100W (or just another 50W plus a MC4 Y-splitter).

[@james10739]

Ya I was thinking that 50w looks small I'd definitely look for something as big as you can fit without looking ridiculous and something around 100w would be twice the power

[@LizKauai]

Love following your adventures with this truck!

[@jimhansen2403]

Love your truck, glad to see a DIY solar system to cut way back on having to plug it in, I think I would have put a Renogy 190w panel on top. Love it & would love to have one of your books .

[@savoryflan]

Looks like that flexible solar panel would fit perfectly on the hood of the truck. You may double your charging power by using both panels.

[@ravenouself4181]

But then he might have the sun glare into his eyes

[@andthesunsets]

The telegram guy is a scammer

[@craigpeel5983]

@@andthesunsets obviously, or atleast I hope it is obvious to everyone. It's almost like they have no choice but to come across as robotic and fake.

[@kieranomahony00]

This is really great and so simple. If only more vehicles were so easy to make into green machines

[@andreheise1170]

It's not that simple. I have an electric moped that consumes about 30 Wh per kilometer. On average. The consumption of electric vehicles also depends strongly on wind strength and wind direction. With the 250 Wh that its solar panel produces per day, I would get just 8.3 kilometers. That's 5.2 miles. I suspect that his electric truck is moved about 1 mile a day. That is not much. But when someone like me commutes 19.9 miles a day to work, solar panels are no longer enough. Then it comes down to batteries and those are wicked expensive. My large 1,344 Wh battery cost $861. A liter of gasoline is the equivalent of 8,500 Wh. So my battery is equivalent to a tank that holds 0.16 liters or 0.04 gallons of gasoline. The battery weighs 17.6 pounds. So to carry the same amount of energy as a gasoline vehicle, an electric vehicle must carry 64 times as much weight.

[@henriklarsson6870]

I love these videos you have made about the Truck. Keep them comming.

[@floridafarmer8855]

That is an awesome lil truck.i need one

[@Huckhaven]

You should definitely try and upgrade the suspension. With solar panels on it now and any other concerns regarding vibrations, the benefits of plush and functioning suspension would be great!

[@micahsdad5388]

The bigger knobby tires are already on it and we have a set of softer coil springs that we are about to install. Should make a huge improvement in getting us a real suspension. Just much too stiff now.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Good stuff! I was thinking a 100 watt panel would fit up there pretty decently - but as you mentioned later, the 50 watt might do the job for how much the truck is used.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Yes there seems to be enough space for a 100 watt panel.

[@andthesunsets]

The telegram guy is a scammer.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

wrobg gp 100 watts

[@forestique2385]

Your videos have excellent production quality and editing. Makes them pleasant to watch. Thanks for the content

[@markholloway9638]

Awesome project! Enjoyed your video!

[@readmycomment4696]

Extend the rollover cage/support which is between the cab and back loading area in a stright line to front bumper. You can put 4 to 6 panels and also keep the cabin cool.

[@Cooliemasteroz]

Here’s an idea, how about if you get a ladder rack on your front bumper and another ladder rack at the rear of your cargo area Boca same height as the bar behind the cab then make a metal frame with a hinge that is attached to the bar behind the cab then attach some ply wood and extra solar panels to the frame. Then you can do the same between the front ladder rack and the bar behind the cab. Now you have extra solar panels and you are carrying your own shade and if you need to load you vehicle with a front end loader or crane then all you have to do is unlock the board from the rear ladder rack and hinge it forward. If you want to spend a bit more time on careful design then you could have some kind of a swivel at the hinge on both boards so that they can be turned upside down for carrying long loads or just so that you have an elevated platform to work on.

[@sovereignpat1800]

This is sooo cool! Can't wait to see the next update on this truck!

[@solarfun2388]

That is a cool truck and nice 80s haircut haven't seen that in a while

[@hatman4818]

You could put the flex panel over the hood, put them both to use. Generally, the rigid panels are better. They achieve better cooling, which makes them last longer. But, since you have both, the flex panel is perfect for going over curved car panels like hoods.

[@jedics1]

I had a similar idea, where you buy one of those Wuling mini Ev's and buy a 400 ish watts domestic panel and put in on the roof, so simple and cheap. Imagine if we had forward thinking governments that made it practical to import them.

[@ta6point6litre]

Great video. Customizing things is always fun.

[@JohnMcLaughlinPlus]

That is pretty fun project -- I really like the idea of a small truck like this for projects 'around the farm' that you could (possibly?) keep constantly charged under normal usage...

[@JEMCochran49]

I always thought putting a bunch of solar panels on a shed roof and having them charge one of those big batteries would be convenient to be able to charge solar powered equipment.

[@kurtsandy3150]

It looked like the high-jacked wires and the normal charging wires go to the same location on the truck. It appears that the normal charging port is like a PC 110vAC port. That would make AC and solar panel DC going to the same location. Does the truck normal charging have a brick that converts your home AC to a DC source for the truck? If so, that DC source appears to be going into the truck, and back through your solar charge controller. If you installed a switch, off camera, then just ignore me. :-)

[@mrgw98]

He could set the switch off to work with the key to turn it on, but unless he did that off camera, it doesn't seem like he did that.

[@gregsmith1116]

Awesome video Mica! I hope the panel helps your battery duration on the farm there! Cool!

[@cwl5005]

Thats awesome! I saw a company that offers hood mounted flexibility solar panels for overland builds. I plan on doing the same for a similar setup on my vehicle as isn't not used daily for a free trickle charger for when not in use. Great video and I can't wait till the next one

[@dapperdingo]

Renogy.

[@mrgw98]

I can't fully tell from the video, but is there enough room on top to add a second panel if you rotate the first panel?

[@gadgetgasspoll2923]

Definitely

[@SoshiMECH]

The back tips up so they might be a fraction too long (if he doesn’t want to (re)move the spotlights) but he definitely could put a wider panel on the roof rack.

[@mrgw98]

@@SoshiMECH From what I can see in the video, it looks like it may clear the bed, but as I said hard to tell from the video.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

My question is: wouldn’t it be better for the longevity, durability, and reliability of the truck to park it in the shade or a garage? Because the shade helps protect the paint, batteries, and metal from UV radiation, heat, and rust?

[@jamesthelouie]

Ideally a carport made of solar panels

[@micahsdad5388]

true, but we are using it out on the pasture a good deal. Sun is bright and plentiful as we work out there. Then to the garage when work is done. Still, leaving it out in the sun for short periods will not do much harm. It's a work truck. Not a trailer queen ! Thanks for your comment. Regards

[@SilverScarletSpider]

@@micahsdad5388 Thanks for the insightful reply!

[@daltonx6177]

The truck could also be left in a warehouse for eternity to keep it in mind condition, right ? But that's not really it's purpose, really.... 😉 And anyway, rust would get to it anyway, are kept in better conditions when using them regularly, that's a well known fact. 👍

[@flyingpurplepizzas]

What an awesome little vehicle. Solar power just makes it even more so. Thanks for sharing this adventure with us.

[@richcisneros449]

My wife is thinking about getting a small truck, thinking this would be perfect! Thanks for the updates!

[@brucesamuelson7541]

You have the room to put a 100 watt panel there would be twice as good!

[@ghofling]

Great video! I particularly how the setup is transferrable to other battery-powered vehicles. Thanks!

[@majobis]

Very nice and interesting what you have done to extend the electric range of the little truck. There are times when you are out there working away and it is nice to have that solar power putting power back into the batteries rather than guessing the battery that is left only to run back to plug it in for a few hours. good job on this little addition to the little pony workhorse.

[@robbhorton1735]

I have really been enjoying this series. Lots of fun.

[@micahsdad5388]

HUGE FUN FOR US TOO !! Thanks for your comment. More updates to come with the one year review. Best regards

[@jonathantatler]

Cable ties work very well! Easily changed too.

[@johnpeterson8252]

Cool. I ordered one of the trucks, and still waiting on it. Can't wait to see your upgrade video

[@micahsdad5388]

Great. We are working on the one year update video that will include a bunch of mods and improvements including tires, suspension, elimination of the odd cluncking noise (was nothing major but was a real annoyance) and the proverbial, much muck more !! Good luck with your truck. Post some pics and have fun

[@bryduhbikeguy]

I see a couple others ask about putting the flex panel on the hood too.1/2 pvc tubing filled with expanding foam will keep the shakes away in a frame where ever you use it.?Tires look really meaty,and a great addition.

[@Leonardokite]

Well for a truck that's just used on occasion, that is just the ticket. Great job Micah!

[@Chris_WG]

Love your videos man! Really fun to watch. Cheers from across the country in California!

[@vansquishy2289]

Saw this video show up on my feed, haven't seen your vids in a while! Love what you've done with that truck!

[@joeabad5908]

Even partly covering your daily usage is awesome..

[@treennumbers]

Been following for a while, love that silly little truck. Probably the right choice to use the rigid panel, since the floppier one would make all kinds of noise going over rough ground.

[@marinekappa82]

I love watching these videos!!

[@neilmclennan1112]

Thanks for the update.😁

[@lanlinzhang77]

The new tires look great!

[@charlieredeemed]

I've wanted this thing since I first saw it, a year ago 👍👍 It's even better, now

[@skywalker1991]

That's one tiny truck , these trucks could be very handy for someone who does small jobs , and its electric , it could really same lots of money in long run

[@donwallace7354]

Cool little truck for around the ranch!

[@quintinovieira]

Amazing transformation. Greetings from Portugal.

[@tugsn.mccowan1634]

Very cool in a nerdy sort of way. Liked the idea.

[@tooshort5158]

Can't wait for the update on the suspension.

[@ericlessard]

cool setup!

[@motoshedman]

Nice setup! Thanks for the info!

[@robertkribs9513]

fun project Micah!

[@a-aron2276]

That thing is just class, kinda cool how mid summer it's enough to completely offset the usage of the truck with a 50w panel.

[@wheatpuff]

This little thing has some amazing utility, and this is a really useful mod for a farm ev. I like how the bed tips.

[@micahsdad5388]

That dump bed has been SO useful on our acreage. Best regards

[@kiriakosmelissinas81]

I appreciate your videos! Thanks for the watch and your time.

[@nuance2317]

Useful, fun truck/project. Kudos 🤓

[@Larry-Lobster]

Love the new tires!

[@mikee5654]

I have a few electric trikes, I built a rickshaw with a 100w 26x40 solar panel to do the same thing. Great video

[@vinmat3558]

Thanks for sharing your endeavors. We all learn more.

[@stevennguyen8589]

Great work with the SOLAR... this should be the STANDARD example for electric car by less plug-in... thank-you for sharing your JOYS with us..!! ::))

[@christine_penn]

Love your little truck and watching your adventures with it. Wish there were more places to use them...

[@andthesunsets]

The telegram guy is a scammer

[@lightcatcher3]

Very cool little truck

[@redneckindustries]

Tell your dad to hang up the Sparkplug memorabilia and show us a ShopTour. Your Chinese MiniTruck episodes are Amazing!

[@micahsdad5388]

My man cave garage is nearing completion. We will try to do a short tour a some point. regards

[@Narinjas]

I would go with flexible bed cover with a flexible solar panel on it + the front bonnet with a flexible solar panel to be slim and curvable for the fit , and a small rigid one on top ( maybe some flexible strip panels on the truck bed sides too) and you have a complete setup that could also give you enough energy to run AC and infotainment while you drive (and let the main battery power only the steering and engines)

[@VictoryDave999]

Loved ity! That truck would be so awesome at mycottage and with the 50 W panel too!

[@tcg2ki]

I do enjoy your videos please keep them coming.

[@veryanoynimouse]

The little Exploder is like the gift that keeps on giving and keeps on giving joy!

[@micahsdad5388]

It is huge fun. Puts a smile on the faces of anyone who sees it (and us every time we use it !!). Thanks

[@1gmf]

Nice charging setup 👍

[@paulnorberg3869]

Fun work you’re doing. Got a new subscriber.

[@sueembler5572]

Love your electric truck!

[@TheRoland19111]

That's it. He fell in love.

[@jeanbfe7255]

Wow! That's really cool!

[@XKloosyvv]

Can't wait to see the long term results from this

[@johnstrand2247]

Good luck with that. I have a solar panel about that size to charge up my kayak fishfinder battery. It takes days and it is one of those tiny motorcycle type batteries.

[@StFrancisXavierTigers]

incredibly useful for a beginner!

[@vetham100]

I enjoyed the video, i have an ebike conversion and the components are proprietary and its difficult to sort out the wiring. A solar panel would help on short rides around town. Thanks for sharing with us your experiences. Have a great day.

[@vilisgrinvalds]

Nice wheels! good one, love it!

[@bernardolara9042]

Awesome project! and great idea for a float charger, if the mini truck gets used only a few days a week, solar power should be all it needs

[@micahsdad5388]

That's the way we see it. Time in the sun when used covers the energy expended. We put solar on my kayak a while back with the goal of achieving the same result. (see the KZbin video). Some days I come home with more power in the battery than when I put it in the water. Too cool !! Thanks for your comment

[@ramonpadilla2607]

Great video, the PVC array looks nice, a little black silicone and you can trick people into thinking is welded metal.

[@micahsdad5388]

You are right. We could make it look like a 'stack of dimes' around the perimeter !! Best regards

[@livewire9996]

Fantastic! I seriously hope to afford this--really interested in the battery and wattage however