Solar panel VS dynamo hub - What's the best electricity source on tour? After 3 years on the road

[@panchoxbrr301]

I have put my front wheel with SON 28 in a river to have the water current spin the wheel and make electricity while I was camping. It was tricky to get the bike set up correctly but worked swimmingly.

[@giannisvegan7595]

marvellous idea for generating electricity from hydropower!!!!!

[@s0012823]

@@giannisvegan7595 yeah but what about solar panel and a simple power bank? The SON28 is IMO absolete, solar panel in combination with a power bank is far better solution. The Son weighs 450 grams. And also headlights are available for 80 euro's with advanced battery and far better light performance.

[@mikedevlin2048]

The SON dynamo has served me very well for years... But then again I don't have 1001 gizmos to keep charged.... Dynamo and solar together makes an excellent system

[@NomadsTrails]

Yes, we are very happy with the SON dynamos as well 😊

[@erikl.1860]

I agree. I’m lucky to have the SON dynamo which is charging one of my power banks. A second PowerBank is the used to (re)charge my GPS or phone, while riding and especially at every stop I make (like lunch break). I also have a 7.5 watt solar panel (which is 1.5A output) mainly used while not cycling. Which means that I produce electricity all the time , cycling or not, until it’s time to go to sleep. Very happy with my setup!

[@RubenFRS]

For the cloudy, rainy parts of the world I tour around dynamo is the best, got an igaro D2 R3 with 2 usb-c outs, it charges at super low speeds, automatically shifts between feeding my powerbank when full to whatever other device I have connected, I keep my powerbank and another device topped up and get to recharge any other stuff overnight. It's amazing that we have different options for being off the grid tho.

[@uniworkhorse]

“If you liked the video, give it a thumbs up, if you didn’t like you can still give it a thumbs up” Peyman, a true intellectual 🧐

[@RoadDestination]

If people vote it down is fine too, youtube still counts it as engagement 😎

[@yonseimatt]

Very well explained, thank you. I live in China and can get that stuff pretty cheaply (though obviously not Son hubs etc.) and I built a dynamo wheel maybe three years ago for my commuter. 80rmb for the hub, 45rmb for an Alexrims DH19 rim, and some unbranded Taiwanese stainless spokes for a total of about 20rmb. That's about 150rmb all in, or perhaps 20 euros. It's been brilliant in terms of reliability on the electrical side, though I only use of for lights (not charging), but you're quite correct about how important the bearings are- the original ones started knocking and rattling in fairly short order, and I had to replace them with locally made 440 stainless bearings, which have been fantastic ever since. I have one of those solar panels but since we only do short tours, I haven't actually tested it yet. Seems very worthwhile based on your information.

[@yxhankun]

have u recorded your build? Your channel shows nothing except ponies.

[@mrhounddog8271]

Hats off to all the commenters. If you scroll down and simply read, you pick up even more little tidbits that are applicable to a portable generating system. Does anyone try to run a radio (HAM type) off of their systems?

[@mmpkao]

Yet another great video, thank's. I use the dynamo hub for my bikelight's. I hate to drive on a ''Car'' road in the dawn or drak whitout light. And for all my other electronic stuff i use a solar pannel.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you, happy you liked it! Yes indeed, when the hub is powering light you get even less electricity to charge any other gadgets.

[@petesig93]

After watching this I have bought a bigger BigBlue 28W solar panel for those really remote outback tours. Much better than relying on the SON28 which often is really not putting out very much power when riding at 10-15kmh on rough, rocky or corrugated roads. Looking forward to my next outback tour.

[@edoz8939]

This is very interesting video ! Last week I used the BioLite stove when I was on bike vacation, this stove which runs on wood, just small wood from the forest, even when it is a bit wet. You can use the stove to cook but it also generates electricity. To be honest it is a bit a hassle but if there is no sun or it is in the evening you still can have a bit of power when you in a need some!

[@pedroclaro7822]

Biolite 2?

[@surlycyclingrag3347]

I agree with you and this is my experience my solar charger was not best in quality. The problems I had was every time I went under a shade tree my screen on phone would turn on. In the desert it's perfect cloudy days was nothing. My girlfriend had a dynamo hub would not charged when climbing and and the downhills was over so quick. On the flat ground it was perfect. I really appreciate your videos and this charging is very very important for you to love birds. Next time I go again for a bicycle tour I am going back to the basics a compass to know where we was and thermometer for direction on where we going. And thanks again we all need you for the support advice from the one that works and knows how things work. BEST WISHES!!

[@nikispaniki]

So great to see people sharing their tech experiences. Our family has used Shimano, 6v/3w, hubs for years. They have worked great for lighting, often using any led lights we have wired in. We recently started using the SineWave Revolution usb charger for devices and found the hubs really don’t put out enough current to effectively charge an IPhone. But a very old Soubitz bottle generator worked quite well! But that generator is a tire shredder so is not really practical. Instead we use the Sine wave to charge auxiliary batteries and it is ok. Typically a 2500 mh battery in about 4 hrs at 10 mph, 15kph. We had some cheap solar panels but they didn’t really work very well. The Shimano hubs only put out about 350 ma at 13 mph. Not really enough for a power hungry device. So with the extra batteries we are able to keep powered up for gps etc. It is always encouraging to hear from our fellow bike trippers. Thanks Nomads for your adventures and providing this forum to bring us together.

[@thecrazyToolfan]

11:29 is the best part of this video, I like your energy guy.

[@nitishkokane]

You do best in difficult situation 😃

[@ramoverde4133]

Good information, thank you! 👍 I have this converter : SINEWAVE CYCLES REVOLUTION USB CHARGER. Loads already at about 5 kmh, is small and super robust. The SON hubs are Legendary...

[@2cyclebikeraricstreet195]

Looking into the Lumicon bike harvester p5. Where to find the: sinewave cycles revolution usb charger? Does it work wth solar or dynamo, or both?

[@robingood62]

On my bike tours I use a RAV 15 W foldable solar panel for some years now and I am still happy with it. I have no dynamo hub and dont want one. Up to now, the panel serves enough power for me to charge my powerbank and keep my cellphone running offline for navigation. Probably dynamo hubs have no more future due to pedal cell and other brands coming soon. you mentioned one of the most important resons for solar panels: they produce energy even if you are not on the bike. And if you like me, not only cycling, they do a good job on my kayak-deck too.

[@emp-ty-g]

thats right, it would look funny if i had my front Wheel with me when iam hiking :)

[@IronFreee]

Thanks for sharing your experience. All bikes used to have a retractable dynamo on the side of the wheel. It was directly connected to the lights, so when you stopped, all the lights went off. The advantage was that you had "unlimited power", but you could feel the drag, especially when climbing.

[@uniworkhorse]

Lol the amount of pedal cell ads I’ve gotten… looking forward to seeing you guys give it a test!

[@williamk1452]

You guys are awesome! Solar, charge controller , small batteries are cheap and easy. Panel to devise is more troubling. I am devolving to less and less. On foot now. Soon, just me and the dirt. Travel well my friends.

[@lauraiss1027]

When I was a small kid, we had these dynamo thingies, not a hub but one that attaches to the fork and then rubs against the wheel. The problem was that LEDs were not introduced to consumer market or even invented yet and all we had was small incandescent light bulbs that was glowing according to your speed. So for example if you ride the bicycle at night through forest with roots and stones on trail, you must choose going fast and risk horrible crash or you go slow but have almost no light and don't see where you are going which results in same problem. Good times.

[@jdshl8423]

By the sounds of it, it might actually be more useful to actually carry an additional solar panel to replace the dynamo hub. I think 2 similar panels would fit side by side on top of your gear on the rear rack. The Pedal Cell is an upgraded version of old school dynamos for bicycle. It seems like a more feasible option considering it is transferable and can be disengaged when not in use. But the drag it generates is far more intense than the hub. Probably cheaper and lighter overall too, but might not be as effective.

[@Heddanofarsan]

Yes totally

[@alexharbron]

Great video. I've been researching the solar panels v dynamo hub and I think the conclusion is, it is nice to have both! 👍

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you! Yes, they compliment each other nicely 😀

[@albertbatfinder5240]

This really surprises me. There are a few KZbin cycle tourers who have ditched the solar panels after a week. I think the quality of photo-voltaic cells varies widely. Same can be said for dynamo hubs. The moral is: don’t skimp.

[@Heddanofarsan]

Over tine tech also gets better. A solarpanel now is more often of the black type and those cannot be compared to the old blue chisel look ones.

[@therz0n]

wow, good to see you have now 97k subs my friend, im your subscriber since 3k subs

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks for your support! ❤️

[@charlesriley23]

Thanks for more energy tips! I have a system powered by one magnet fixed and another rotating on the wheel. I will be installing it on my new bike with a intermediate battery bank for auxillary power for lights. Solar is to be my next aquisition. Do not be embarassed. My bike attacked me getting off the cycleops 2 days ago. We made up!

[@MurielZaccuri]

Great. I went for the right choice 😃

[@GeekonaBike]

The biggest plus for the hub is for the light while night riding. But don't plan on charging anything at all while using a headlight

[@gimmespamnow]

I have both. Solar panels are great in certain situations, (crossing the Sahara is certainly one of them!) Iceland in the summer is also great. Places where there are trees don’t tend to work well for solar if you are moving, (but zero days are fine if you put some creativity into it.) And keep in mind trees doesn’t just mean forest. For instance in the Netherlands I got very little charge from my solar panel when I was rolling because pretty much every bike route had a row of trees alongside it, (and I’m glad for that, otherwise I would have been fighting the wind.)

[@als050]

I love you guys you inspired me to travel like you ❤️

[@mang0men1]

Thank you! I have been using the"Bush and Müller USB-Werk" for a year now and I HATE IT! good to know that it is not only me who thinks that this device is kind of useless!

[@cubic2011]

Nothing beats experience.

[@ChrisLoew]

The gods have spoken, solar is a go.

[@shoaibakther1453]

@@sirensynapse5603 ☝️

[@AmaroqStarwind]

If I ever get an E-Bike, I'll use both some dynamos and some solar panels. And I'd rig it up for 2WD for off-road terrain. Power Generation: Combination of dynamos and solar would help a lot. And I could rig up a stirling generator as well, which would not only be efficient and versatile, but may also double as a gyroscopic flywheel to keep the bike upright when I'm stationary or at lower speeds. Energy Storage: The main e-Bike battery (it would be a big one) would power the motors, and there would be a separate battery for powering/recharging the accessories (and my phone). There may also be some supercapacitors to give the motors an extra kick whenever I'm stuck. Energy Recovery: I might also modify the suspension and steering to act as dynamos as well, and/or rig up some kind of regenerative braking. Traction Control would also tie in well with the regenerative braking, since the wheels would slow down automatically when they lose grip and thus put some energy back into the batteries. Energy Saving: Plus, I'd make sure that my various dynamo-powered accessories also have their own internal batteries (to allow operation when the dynamos aren't producing power), and that the lights have ambient light sensors to limit their max brightness during the day. And my rear light, I'd make sure that it also doubles as a regular reflector. Bonus Accessories: Jet fans on the back could provide a tiny bit of backup propulsion when my wheels have no traction at all.

[@hempmayor6639]

Someone probably already said, those second style generators you showed are old school style. Had them on my bikes in the 80's in USA

[@arturoalbia8571]

ride safe always,stay healthy always...

[@jayp.1455]

Of course, a tumb up, always! When I was a kid, I had an old fashion fork-mounted dynamo that could be enabled or disabled. It powered the headlight. I clearly remember not liking to use it because there was a noticeable drag, and it was harder to pedal.

[@paths2go]

Great information, thanks!

[@jorgw.6151]

Great video, thank you. I can recommend the lumicon bike harvester p5. This device is very efficent even for slow cycling with luggage and wind.

[@2cyclebikeraricstreet195]

Lumicon bike harvester p5. looking up

[@mdennen]

I love your guys work fantastic!! I always wondered about biking with them. Maybe So one on the back of your jacket or just have a spare so you can put two out when you set up camp now you’ll need to do solar panel reviews along with chargers and batteries thanks for your work hope you come to California sometime

[@RoadDestination]

Not sure about the modern rim dynamo, but I remember these were the standard back in the day, but they were always trouble. Specially under wet and dirty conditions they tended to fail, the change to battery light was a huge improvement in reliability, but had their failings too in the early days. Curious what the performance of solar would be in north Scandinavia, the sun is maybe not that strong, but in summer you get a lot of charging time.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Yes, I found out battery banks can not be charged and be used to charge at the same time, internal electronics will not allow it, means you need two (or more) banks... One being charged and one you can use...

[@PumpkinVillage]

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Take care, Al

[@iamandreja]

Loved this video. Couldn't press LOVE so I pressed like. So, the optimal solution is = dynamo hub for the light and solar panels for everything else. I am considering buying a panel, I need it for my scooter trips (I ride a bicycle but not as often, for now).

[@onelove8062]

Damn Peyman is swole 😂

[@muhammad-Redha]

I have 3 ways charging my devices, my shimano DH-3D32-QR 5v dynamo hub, and "allpowers" solar panel charger 18/12/5v 2 slot usb, and 21000 mah anker power bank, now I am thinking of getting the pedalcell in future.

[@creatamax16]

Awesome insights dude, helped me make my mind up about a dynamo. Thank you!. Happy travels!.

[@KCOPSVlogs]

Bro upload more video i really like it.

[@mopopoika190]

You are the best youtuber ever and you are the first big youtube what i have met in real life

[@Bunny-Power]

I use both, SON Dynamo and solar. And those Voltaic batteries are really great because they support through charge and you can switch them into the always on mode for low current devices.

[@mfaizan4272]

You are man of principles. Loved your videos always.

[@bivibikebaggins]

Im running Shimano DH-UR700-3D and a forumslader usb unit (kit)... faultless in the UK (lots of off road riding)

[@williamaungleyraud]

Look into the Powerfilm Lightsaver Max, it's pricey, but it had great amorphous solar technology and it charges with way less sun the traditional solar panels, plus it has a decently big power bank built in, it's flexible and easy take anywhere, plus it's extremely durable, there is a video of a guy shooting a shotgun through the panel and it still works (not through the power bank of course) but those panels are amazingly durable. 😎👍 By the way how is Bonzo? I miss that kitty so much 🐱 please post an update on him.

[@karikkuttan8720]

I feel so happy and cool when i see ur videos.. Something satisfactory things are there in your videos 🙂🙂👍🏻👍🏻

[@migzoili7571]

Thanks for the info bro, stay safe always.

[@uncledan2u]

All the best Peyman. May Allah keep you safe✌️

[@anicetorivera1912]

Better is you maintain all of your charger high breed type..good luck Both of you ..god bless...

[@JethroJessop]

I rode with a solar panel years ago and it didn't work at all but it looks like the tech has come on a lot since then! I might have to look into this a bit more. I have SON28 on my bike currently but I agree with you that it is not the perfect solution. I have a PedalCell unit in the post at the moment so I'll see how that compares (I'll try to do a review on my own channel at some point). I'm deeply envious of your lifestyle :) Happy riding

[@catchagrip.9468]

Good to see you guys out on the road again, safe travels folks.

[@bobm4623]

09:40 The PedalCell system seems to be updated technology on the bottle/sidewall dynamo - which I had to power my bicycle headlight when I was a child.

[@NomadsTrails]

I think it is a fantastic idea 🙌

[@emp-ty-g]

yes it was standard for me as well when i was a kid (Denmark) but this one is not on the side of the tirre, it connects on the metal that the tirre sits on so looks mutch better.

[@aminalucid]

We have bought a powerbank from LIDL with a solar panel very small ; but does not charge at all lol ; so it is time to change x)

[@stephentroake7155]

I got one of those! I stick it to a window and it charges after a few weeks \_0_/

[@lesstroddenpath3726]

Thank you for your comparison. it helps me make better decisions.

[@fetishcat9978]

Good Impressions! Thank you for your great video!

[@ontheroad7097]

Solar is the way to go!

[@MissJaneShadow]

Wooo!! i just went all around Spain on a very crappy bike, and I want to go much further now, but with an e-bike, that I can power with solar. I will take any advice, because I don't know anything about that part of cycling!

[@ascot1049]

Ace man .

[@JustRide4Fun]

Very informative. Thank you 🙏

[@Highnoonshred]

Both!!!

[@ina_bauble8220]

Most energetic person n lots of love from india

[@Radoslaw731]

I subscribed my friend 😊 cheer's from Poland 😊

[@TheOozzee]

Nice

[@Biking360]

Son Dynamo Hub all the ay as far as I'm concerned :)

[@Solitarycycling]

i really want to try a device called pedalcell. it looks really good. and as i live in england, sometimes even in the summer, there is not much sun, days can be dull, so using a solar panel can be a problem.

[@CogitoErgoSum67]

Loved the video,am start my journey as well

[@ashishnanavati3183]

Hi... Nice and helpful video on Solar v/s. Dynamo 👍🏻 Suggest you to increase frequency of videos, probably one every week... When is Matilda returning? It's been over three months she hasn't been with you... Take care.

[@jona3117]

Check out the KLite Bikepacker USB system. Very powerful at low speeds!

[@TheFoodSaints]

Nice and useful Information, Can you recommend any Solar system for Electric Bike, I am planning to go for a Long distance cycling, and wanted to have some Solar System which can charge my E-Bike. If you can suggest ways to charge E-Bikes on the field without the Grid Lights. Thanks

[@Shoooort]

قناة رائعة و مغامرات شيقة

[@alexmoradi3052]

much respect guys cant wait to see u in Australia love u peyman;) bro u guys Take care

[@augusthavince8909]

Subscribed.

[@sanjeevkumar-wi2kn]

good bro

[@konstantinosmargaronis6205]

Hi guys. I'm interested for the solar panel.Can you tell me the model and where can I buy it ?Thank you. By the way GREAT VIDEO.

[@MissJaneShadow]

I would also love to know the model solar panel. Or whatever solar is lightweight, that can be used for bike tours!!

[@renan3916]

Anker has some good and cheap ones on this size (18w)

[@PaulVoorberg]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. Question: what mirror is that one on you bike.? Looks like a good one that I may want to replace my crappy mirror with

[@marcinsykut497]

Video without Matilda's smile is not enough anymore !

[@NomadsTrails]

She is sick unfortunately, needs to rest. We appreciate if we all let her rest 😍🤗

[@marklll8368]

6:02 buffer battery - what he meant was supercap or super capacitor or standard capacitor would do the job

[@alanhaddy7499]

Great information, thank you

[@jeansg9670]

What is the name of the solar panel? Didn't understand the name. Thanks your informations are awesome 👌

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you! The brand is SunbeamSystem, we have used their Tough+ solar panels before for 2.5 years, and now we are testing their new Tough Fold panels.

[@oliverhabboub7711]

@@NomadsTrails which version of the fold panels are you testing?

[@dharper777]

Look at Pedelcel I have two at my house. Beats solar and dynmo

[@schwarzzelter7161]

So your journey will continue for years and years... I would wish it for you! But how do you earn your money while traveling? I really asked me that question very often, dreaming of a life of that kind, but didn't find a suitable solution yet ^^ And you even come up all the time with new high quality equipment!

[@kaikart123]

The best for me is big solar panel on a trailer but then again I got an ebike.

[@TomSkyNet]

Just checked the sunbeam website so many options there not sure which model is recommended probably need to do more reading

[@mr.banana5967]

Very interestng video! Can you or somebody suggest a bit cheaper Solar panals?

[@kandildermawan]

Good sharing Peyman. On the solar panel system you use is it include the converter and battery pack? Have fun and stay safe 👍🏽👍🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@borntonature3658]

Love your voice 👍✌ great video

[@shibilinuhmant4882]

Amazing video

[@JPC-MB]

Great video, thanks. What is your complete solar charging system? Thank you.

[@twokois7032]

How does one make funds while on the road+ work once settled. Also what type of bike are you rocking. Thanks man.

[@klkraetz]

For me it is not an this or that question. While my Powerbankks are quietly chraging in the back bag of my bike, the Dynamo Hub charges my phone while driving at the front. So if i need it, i have always easy access on my bike or even while driving. The Solar would be efficient enough to power almost all my gadgets, but with having both systems, it is much more convinient.

[@galenkehler]

Solar works when your not moving, dynamo works in the dark, seems that a system of both would work best

[@AstonSigit360]

Nice..👍

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Are you using the SunbeamSystem Power station along with the panel ?

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️💪😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍(stroke)