Greetings! This is a revised upload as yesterday's video had audio corruptions! Thanks for those who spend time with us! Enjoy! Feeling so grateful for all the new faces part of this community! Drive safe, Subscribe and Share! - Beluga & Sandro
Bro i would get some kind of sleeves for those wires, they have them on amazon u just loop it in, u dont have to uninstall anything. But any wires that touche metal is gonna get cut once the car vibrates on the freeway
Once the Aptera comes out, you'll be able to buy their automotive-grade replacement solar panels and I bet they would work great on anything! I plan on putting some on my buddies Tesla when they are available :)
Except the days it's not shining then left in the cold and dark because the government forced us to use unreliable sources of electric to power everything
Wow, this is the best solar install i have seen on any car (after market)! On the Delta 2 (i think) and really all of the EcoFlow products, they use a 3 pin XD 60 called an XD-60i. The regular 2 pin XD-60 limits your input current to 8 amps, while the XD-60 sets the current limit to 15 amps, so depending whether or not you wired your two panels in series or parallel you may be running into the 8 amp current limit (if the two panels are wired in parallel) and you are just using the regular XD-60. If this is the case, you can remedy this by wiring the two panels in series to double the voltage and get closer to your 300 watt output of the two panels (i think you said they were rated at 150 watts each). If the total output of both panels is 150 watts total, forget everything i mentioned. Great build though and a great inspiration for others!
Thanks for the heads up - I'm always learning, and I'll look into optimizing this further! We soldered the XT-60H to each other and then into the EcoFlow
Sandro, Sandro, Sandro... admittedly... I had to fast forward to the end to view the end result as I felt both pain and fear. But, it turned out great! Happy for you, buddy! Now Beluga is truly "Powered by the Sun!" 🌞
But it’s NOT a solar powered Tesla…. It’s a solar powered EcoFlow battery bank for the appliances. Still pretty cool. It will be interesting to see how the panels and installation hold up with driving vibrations, heat, and weather. I would definitely add retainer clips or sheet metal screws (if possible) for securing.
Looks cool, but I hope it doesn't peel off on super a hot day. At the very least get something to overlap the front lip because the wind will constantly be tugging up on them.
I hate to burst your bubble but, like others have suggested, it's a futile effort to install solar panels on a car, using current solar technology. Under ideal charging conditions (angle to the sun, ambient temperature, electrical efficiencies, etc), you'd be lucky to generate 1 mile of range per hour for the peak solar charging hours of the day using 300 watts of solar panels. Your 135W peak on your drive is barely 1/2 mile of range, providing you're not driving too fast. Plus, solar charging performance will degrade quite a bit if the car is not facing the sun during your drive. It's understood that ideal solar charging conditions in locations closer to the equator (eg, AZ, NM, CA) might have 5-7 hours of peak charging during sunny days under ideal conditions with perfectly configured solar panels. If solar panels are not perpendicular to the sun or it's hot outside, your charging performance decreases. Then there are electrical losses in wiring, battery chargers, and inverters. This also begs the question of range loss due to degraded aerodynamics from the solar panels and added weight of the panels and EcoFlow which, if true in your situation, you could be losing as much power as you're generating. This is why you don't see solar panels on cars. Current solar technology makes it impractical. With that said, if your goal is to just charge an EcoFlow or another similar solar generator for use as an emergency "gas can" or when car camping, then having solar panels on the car might be useful. Due to many parking spots at campgrounds being poorly situated for solar panels on the car, I'd argue that stand-alone solar panels on the ground would be the better choice for car camping because you can set an optimal charging angle. Before drilling holes in your car, I'm surprised that you did not first test the panels just sitting on the hood of your Model X to see what sort of performance you get at different times of the day. I hope you're able to find some benefit to your hood-mounted solar panels. Good luck.
Appreciate the detailed feedback! We're still learning and always striving to improve! We decided on the hood as it’s the only place where the panels would fit with the solar junction boxes not poking out at the top of the panel increasing drag. The main idea about using these panels is to keep my EcoFlow charged, so I can cook more often, power my communication devices without taping into the HV, I will make a thorough video about this! As for charging the car, I always say it can get me out of a pinch really. Imagine pushing me 1-2 miles?😉 - Beluga
Man, I'm a solar hobbyist and I couldn't have summed it better than you did. It's a lot of work for not much gains. I do agree just using some portable solar maybe better to charge that power station. A better Tesla to have some type of solar would be the Cybertruck. With it's angled tonal cover or even have something inside the bed with the cover open would be more efficient.
Nothing else we get to see someone to tear up his car. But it's quite practical for these to charge up his solar generator. May be useful if the charging station would charge up the solar generator but for life sake it's better to charge them slower and steady around 200 watts. At least until the battery technology is improved.
Recommend: Seal the inside hood hole edges using Right Stuff. You can also use Right Stuff to seal the front edge of the exterior panel/hood edges. Use blue painters tape on the panel, and hood to mask. Then apply Right Stuff. Smooth with your finger with 90% isopropyl alcohol, get at any pharmacy. Right Stuff will remain flexible. And can be razor scraped off if necessary for any reason. You may be able to get replacement hood struts to balance the added weight. Call the strut manufacturer. CONGRATULATIONS! You now have a business, income! Don't stop here! Model S, 3, Y are waiting! Hustle these products to the right outfit! Competent, quality, skills. Maybe places that install car wrap/paint, or window tinting. OR, any Tesla aftermarket, repair facility. Gruber Motors in Arizona. Medlock and Sons in Seattle. Konduit EV in Vista California.
Next time get a file that has a curved bottom. All you are doing is filing grooves into the hood by using a flat file. Also when filing, you don't want to go perpendicular to the surface, but at an angle (like 30-45 degrees, for example, the first hole you did, the second you didn't). You will find it much easier and end up with a nice edge this way. Lastly a suggestion, I know it would be harder, but if you could have drilled the holes in the hood where the structure underneath is not attached to the hood skin (but covered the exposure to the underside), you would have a protected area for those connections to come through, without worrying about anything hitting them. They would also be invisible from the underside, making it a very clean install. I wish Tesla would have done something like this from the factory, all upper surfaces be covered with solar and in the glass too.
@@GTI_CHHA nope not the 1st and the reason why you don't see solar panels on cars because it's a waste of time and $ for the tiny amount of energy gained
Should’ve ran the cables through conduit under the bonnet and cable tied the conduit to the bonnet (hood) structure, or taped it down. Thus stop and risk of shorting because of vibration to the body contact points.
Great idea curious to see how it has been workijg for you. You should put a few wire grommets in that frunk where the wires go through the body because it will eventually wear the wire away and cause a ground issue.
@ I hear you. It’s rare that a necessary upgrade can look so badass! Was wondering if it were possible to structure the panels similar to like an accordion, when not in use ( for storage ) but in certain situations, imagining a hypothetical config, that (if foldable) one could open up a charging point with ribs to expand it and perhaps place on ground, then once optimal ☀️ declines, could fold. Operating the panels on the hood suffices for your overall requirements?
@ I have actually seen a company make them for the Model Y (Prototype). For me, I wanted something small and practical, that wouldn’t create too much drag. This setup works so efficiently and requires me to only find some sunn
Looks cool! But it's a bummer you had to cut holes in your hood. Some questions: Will Tesla still service your car? Did this void your warranty? How many watts are you seeing? Looked like only 200 watts of solar at most. Maybe to trickle chart your ecoflow?
135 watts I have over 20 x that 3 kw on my garage roof facing the sun with the car in the garage out of the sun the second hand panels and rails cost $300 fancy shape and expensive not needed and when the battery is charged in 1/10 the time it can power other things. Gives 200 km range a day if you leave your car in the sun all day under 10 km
@@EverydaySandro I've been pondering how to do some solar on my CyberTruck, so these custom panels seem good for some portions of that... Already have normal home roof panels, which are better and appropriate for that application. But some combination of vehicle surface and massive deployable would be neat, if not as practical as a more optimized vehicle like the aptera...
So you are charging the EcoFlow battery and not the Tesla's Battery. Can you please provide additional information on how you take that charge and charge the Tesla?
@@EverydaySandro Oh nice, I'll search for that video. I'm a new viewer so I was really curious on how you were connecting the panels to charge the Tesla.
I don't catch the plan behind this. You have a 2,4 kWh EcoFLow and load it with that Solar panels, right ? Do you load the car over the EcoFlow ? How much days must your car rest in the sun to get the Battery loaded ?
The Delta 2 Max has 2 energy inputs, so I can crank up the wattage to charge by using solar and the 12DC in the back. But the whole idea behind this is to keep the EcoFlow topped off constantly instead of needing the car to be on.
It cannot go directly because the HV battery is around 400V DC and these tiny solar panels around 40V DC. You would need a DC-DC converter. The effort and the expense is not worth it. You'll get half a mile per hour with just 300W. Better just to buy an Aptera if they start producing them.
@@EverydaySandro interesting. I love where you’re heading. Don’t forget to let me know when you stop by New York. I’d be honored to show you Valiant (model y) and how my setup is for the work I do.
Yes I will to maximize input. When I do remote trips like Alaska and the Arctic, I unplug everything, so now I have an external supply of energy going into the EcoFlow without tapping into the HV!
I will charge the car but have never been in a situation where I had to. It’s mainly to keep my communication supplies powered when I get in a tricky situation that doesn’t require tapping into the HV
It's a great idea but the model x has limited surface area to install solar because of the falcon wing doors. Ideally, all EVs will have integrated solar cells to recharge them in the future 👍
Hey Nice job! Did you use a regular xt60 connector to the EcoFlow? To get a higher W you need to use a xt60-i connector with a ground connected to the negative. That will boost the W
Fantastic, Sandro! Four questions: 1. Did you have the panels custom cut? 2. How much do they cost? 3. Can you charge simultaneously from the solar panels and the 12V DC? 4. Which EcoFlow do you have?
Thanks, great questions! 1. These panels are custom made by MitoSolar 2. These panels are sponsored, and each panel varies in price depending on the project! 3/4. I have the EcoFlow Delta Max, which allows 2 power inputs to be combined (12V DC and Solar)
@ Thank you so much, Sandro, for such a fast and informative response. One follow up question: Are you using your Delta Max with it lying on its side? For me to mount my Delta 3 Plus in in my Model Y in the forward rear sub trunk under Jimmy’s Fruble Lite, it looks like I’m going to have to put it on its side, and I want to be sure it’s safe to do that.
@ Do you have your Delta Max installed on its side? Is it safe to do that? I think I will need to do that in the installation I have underway on my Model Y and want to be sure it’s safe.
@ Is your Delta Max installed on its side? I think I’m going to have to install my Delta 3 Plus on its side in the installation I’m building for my Model Y. Do you know if it’s safe to put the EcoFlow on its side?
@ @ Is your Delta Max installed on its side? I think I’m going to have to install my Delta 3 Plus on its side in the installation I’m building for my Model Y. Do you know if it’s safe to put the EcoFlow on its side?
Hello Sandro. Think at the sides. You will be very amazed. Not as efficient as top, but very efficient at all. Within 10 years all véhicules will have top and sides
Hi Sandro! As follower I have interest in a solar roof for my TMS. Do you know if mitosolar will produce any kit for it? Or we have to send the measures of the roof, or in your case, frunk measurements? Love your travels! I am from EU near NL 😎🎯 Keep on the good Work👌💪
Hey Miguel, thanks for being here with us. In regards to getting solar modules, send them an email as they only do custom projects as of now! - mitosolar.com/contact/
Why do this when it’s such a small amount of range per day. At most we are talking 10 miles but usually less than 5. So expensive. The amount of savings is maybe .50 a day.
I saw a white X with black frunk in Orange County, CA driving the opposite direction. Could not make out the license plate. BTW nice build. Wonder how that would have worked out for you going to Tuktoyaktuk.
Wow! Please follow up on this topic and review the setup! How does it work compared with regular solar panels. I am thinking about this might be a bit hard to adjust the efficiency angles. Also, how it works with multiple solar panels simultaneously to maximize the charging speed and countering the realtime continuous output. 🫡🫡
Because that ecoflow doesn't have an output transformer to provide galvanic isolation between its DC boost stage and its AC output, one day when it's H-Bridge circuit fails and shorts to ground, you'll fry your Tesla's onboard charger and will void your Tesla's warranty. You should have installed a low frequency, transformer based inverter if you wanted to safely charge your Tesla. Good luck!
I don't think he would use this to top up the HV battery regularly, only in case of emergency. In that case the tradeoff of not using a bulky isolation transformer is ok. For permanent connection I would use a Victron inverter. You'll lose your warranty anyway when you'll splice charging port cabling to connect it.
@@frankfountain7680 The title of his video is "DIY Solar Powered Tesla". So I would assume that he will be plugging his Tesla's EVSE into his Ecoflow to charge his Tesla.
😆 At a perfect charging rate, you still get less than 1 mile for every 1 hour of charging. At 115 watts, you’re charging at ~0.35 miles of range per hour. 😂
I agree, it’s not a game changer for driving distance, but it does keep the lights on! And who knows when these will actually be needed to charge me Beluga😉
Toyota had this option on their Prius from 15 years ago. In 2025 Prius prime solar roof option is $610(for 185w panel). It's just a gimmick. Not cost effective for now. Solar panel technology stayed still for over 30 yr(panel efficiency is still only about 20-22% avg). Waiting for someone to create a paint that can harvest solar energy.
You got 114W, not 114kW, yet you said it was more than you got on DC, you get about 1000 times less power than DC... I don't think this power is enough to keep sentry mode on even
@@js3085 a new hood is $300-500 and the amount of utility I get out of this I can’t quantify. I can’t even harm a fly so I won’t drill real holes in a Beluga
@@acrusso1 I checked OEM prices and a Model X hood was $3250! Not even sure if that was painted and definitely not installed. I’m thinking $5K for a shop to paint & install. An upgrade would be no drilling, wires out the back tucked under hood. Are those panels “permanently glued on” as well? Again, just thinking trade-in value later. You’re average owner wanting a set up like this will NOT be breaking out the drill. Kit needs work.
I can do both, but the main goal was to keep the power station full when I drive through remote areas without tapping into the HV. When I drove to Tuktoyaktuk, I had no choice but to drain the EcoFlow without charging it with the 12V in the back. The one I have now is the EcoFlow Delta Max
It's a cool idea. I mean it looks great too but sadly the results doesn't satisfy the effort. Once the summer heat comes along, I don't know how long those 2 panels will stay in the car plus the less aerodynamic will just negate what ever you gain. If you're just looking to prolong the Ecoflow when needed, you're just better off getting an extended battery. I know you don't have much room in the car but there's better idea out there.
I’ll keep you posted on how it performs in the summer! It’s true, efficiency loss with greater heat but I am covering all this in my next video! Thanks for watching
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Greetings! This is a revised upload as yesterday's video had audio corruptions! Thanks for those who spend time with us! Enjoy!
Feeling so grateful for all the new faces part of this community! Drive safe, Subscribe and Share! - Beluga & Sandro
Please do a follow up video on how much the battery is charging in the next week or two. Looking forward to hearing how it works.
@@LJ-jq8og indeed!
Yes please. Follow up!! Great video and so curious on how the daily charging changes your habits, for the better 👍💪
@ yes will make it! First looks will be up this upcoming week
he'll be lucky to grab 4-6 kWh out of his ecoflow with 3-4 days of solar charging in the summer.
and his ecoflow costed him THOUSAND$$$$$ of $$$
@@ShadowLancer128 I would love to put that solar array on my 2007 Camry so I can keep the traditional car battery trickle charged !?
I live off-grid and have 48kw of solar 😂 my X is powered by the sun too.
Nice panels looks slick
Let’s goooo! Sun juice for the win!
As others have stated, in a high vibration environment every conductor contact point must be armored and secured.
Better get something to protect those wires against the metal part. Otherwise, good job.
Figuring that out!
Bro i would get some kind of sleeves for those wires, they have them on amazon u just loop it in, u dont have to uninstall anything. But any wires that touche metal is gonna get cut once the car vibrates on the freeway
@@Nguyening_music
Grommet & Wire loom to protect wires.
Once the Aptera comes out, you'll be able to buy their automotive-grade replacement solar panels and I bet they would work great on anything! I plan on putting some on my buddies Tesla when they are available :)
Great job on this video. Glad you were able to get the audio figured out. Sun Powered is awesome!
@@KamberBCT thanks for watching! Audio can’t be anymore more clear! Solar juice for the win
Except the days it's not shining then left in the cold and dark because the government forced us to use unreliable sources of electric to power everything
Wow, this is the best solar install i have seen on any car (after market)! On the Delta 2 (i think) and really all of the EcoFlow products, they use a 3 pin XD 60 called an XD-60i. The regular 2 pin XD-60 limits your input current to 8 amps, while the XD-60 sets the current limit to 15 amps, so depending whether or not you wired your two panels in series or parallel you may be running into the 8 amp current limit (if the two panels are wired in parallel) and you are just using the regular XD-60. If this is the case, you can remedy this by wiring the two panels in series to double the voltage and get closer to your 300 watt output of the two panels (i think you said they were rated at 150 watts each). If the total output of both panels is 150 watts total, forget everything i mentioned. Great build though and a great inspiration for others!
Thanks for the heads up - I'm always learning, and I'll look into optimizing this further! We soldered the XT-60H to each other and then into the EcoFlow
That’s sick man, it’s kind of cool how it looks like carbon fire, but it’s actually pulling electricity!
The future is here! Solar powered is the best and it’s super robust
@ love your videos, man, love the tech and the model X. But just can’t justify electric yet when they are able to repair batteries then I’ll get one!
@@johnshorba They have shops that repair batteries
When parked, you should see if one of those sun shade windshield reflectors adds any gain to the solar production.
That's a great idea! I'll have to try that out!
The panels are great, certainly need better cable management, but the concept is amazing! Good work man!
Thank you! Making it all work slowly!
Caulk the leading edge then vinyl wrap it black
Not a bad idea actually!
This is definitely a game changer. Awesome job
I hope so! I'm excited to see what else is possible!
Sandro, Sandro, Sandro... admittedly... I had to fast forward to the end to view the end result as I felt both pain and fear. But, it turned out great! Happy for you, buddy! Now Beluga is truly "Powered by the Sun!" 🌞
Thanks for the support, man! Beluga appreciates it. Truly!
Get one of those big butane torch with solder tip attached.
Awesome solar set up!
It's a game changer!
Heat shrink tubing will help protect the wires.
We used those! Thanks for the advice
Does look good . Gonna need to go back to videos to see how you are doing this.
Please do, thanks for being with us!
That’s a great modification! Keep us posted on any new improvements or projects.
Always experimenting! Stay tuned 😉
waste of time.
AWESOME WORK!
Thanks for watching!
damn thats soo sick, and all I am thinking is you're one of a kind. keep up the greatness. well done. bravo...
Appreciate the kind words! Glad you enjoyed the build.
But it’s NOT a solar powered Tesla…. It’s a solar powered EcoFlow battery bank for the appliances.
Still pretty cool.
It will be interesting to see how the panels and installation hold up with driving vibrations, heat, and weather.
I would definitely add retainer clips or sheet metal screws (if possible) for securing.
@@covetthecamper2289 oh trust me, it will charge me, it’s premium juice - Beluga
Looks cool, but I hope it doesn't peel off on super a hot day. At the very least get something to overlap the front lip because the wind will constantly be tugging up on them.
Good eye, you know what you’re talking about, as we just kitted it!
Feel like the air drag gonna counter it out .
Haven’t noticed anything significant
Is your Ecoflow not able to get charged enough from the high voltage battery just while driving the car?
It does get charged while driving, but now I can have dual input, so 250watts +!
I hate to burst your bubble but, like others have suggested, it's a futile effort to install solar panels on a car, using current solar technology. Under ideal charging conditions (angle to the sun, ambient temperature, electrical efficiencies, etc), you'd be lucky to generate 1 mile of range per hour for the peak solar charging hours of the day using 300 watts of solar panels. Your 135W peak on your drive is barely 1/2 mile of range, providing you're not driving too fast. Plus, solar charging performance will degrade quite a bit if the car is not facing the sun during your drive. It's understood that ideal solar charging conditions in locations closer to the equator (eg, AZ, NM, CA) might have 5-7 hours of peak charging during sunny days under ideal conditions with perfectly configured solar panels. If solar panels are not perpendicular to the sun or it's hot outside, your charging performance decreases. Then there are electrical losses in wiring, battery chargers, and inverters. This also begs the question of range loss due to degraded aerodynamics from the solar panels and added weight of the panels and EcoFlow which, if true in your situation, you could be losing as much power as you're generating. This is why you don't see solar panels on cars. Current solar technology makes it impractical.
With that said, if your goal is to just charge an EcoFlow or another similar solar generator for use as an emergency "gas can" or when car camping, then having solar panels on the car might be useful. Due to many parking spots at campgrounds being poorly situated for solar panels on the car, I'd argue that stand-alone solar panels on the ground would be the better choice for car camping because you can set an optimal charging angle.
Before drilling holes in your car, I'm surprised that you did not first test the panels just sitting on the hood of your Model X to see what sort of performance you get at different times of the day.
I hope you're able to find some benefit to your hood-mounted solar panels. Good luck.
Appreciate the detailed feedback! We're still learning and always striving to improve! We decided on the hood as it’s the only place where the panels would fit with the solar junction boxes not poking out at the top of the panel increasing drag.
The main idea about using these panels is to keep my EcoFlow charged, so I can cook more often, power my communication devices without taping into the HV, I will make a thorough video about this!
As for charging the car, I always say it can get me out of a pinch really. Imagine pushing me 1-2 miles?😉 - Beluga
Yeah, it's kinda a waste of time/money. But, that is what projects are.
Man, I'm a solar hobbyist and I couldn't have summed it better than you did. It's a lot of work for not much gains. I do agree just using some portable solar maybe better to charge that power station. A better Tesla to have some type of solar would be the Cybertruck. With it's angled tonal cover or even have something inside the bed with the cover open would be more efficient.
@@EverydaySandro what communication devices? Ham radio?
Nothing else we get to see someone to tear up his car. But it's quite practical for these to charge up his solar generator. May be useful if the charging station would charge up the solar generator but for life sake it's better to charge them slower and steady around 200 watts. At least until the battery technology is improved.
Very cool upgrade. I am looking forward to updates on long-term performance and reliability.
I'll keep you posted on how it’s going!
What do you do for a living to be able to cut up a 2022 model x???
CEO of living in my car😉. Smart work and investments :)
3M actually makes a Auto primer for their tape to go onto paint or metal. It makes it basically impossible to get off.
Even better!
Recommend:
Seal the inside hood hole edges using Right Stuff.
You can also use Right Stuff to seal the front edge of the exterior panel/hood edges.
Use blue painters tape on the panel, and hood to mask.
Then apply Right Stuff. Smooth with your finger with 90% isopropyl alcohol, get at any pharmacy.
Right Stuff will remain flexible. And can be razor scraped off if necessary for any reason.
You may be able to get replacement hood struts to balance the added weight. Call the strut manufacturer.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You now have a business, income!
Don't stop here! Model S, 3, Y are waiting!
Hustle these products to the right outfit! Competent, quality, skills. Maybe places that install car wrap/paint, or window tinting.
OR, any Tesla aftermarket, repair facility.
Gruber Motors in Arizona.
Medlock and Sons in Seattle.
Konduit EV in Vista California.
Thank you for the advice, all is appreciated
Next time get a file that has a curved bottom. All you are doing is filing grooves into the hood by using a flat file. Also when filing, you don't want to go perpendicular to the surface, but at an angle (like 30-45 degrees, for example, the first hole you did, the second you didn't). You will find it much easier and end up with a nice edge this way. Lastly a suggestion, I know it would be harder, but if you could have drilled the holes in the hood where the structure underneath is not attached to the hood skin (but covered the exposure to the underside), you would have a protected area for those connections to come through, without worrying about anything hitting them. They would also be invisible from the underside, making it a very clean install. I wish Tesla would have done something like this from the factory, all upper surfaces be covered with solar and in the glass too.
Thanks for the wonderful advice! Imagine if Tesla included these 😉🪛
Bro, I am pretty sure this is a first! Great job, curious to see how the panels perform.
@@GTI_CHHA nope not the 1st and the reason why you don't see solar panels on cars because it's a waste of time and $ for the tiny amount of energy gained
You and me both! Thanks for the encouragement
Should’ve ran the cables through conduit under the bonnet and cable tied the conduit to the bonnet (hood) structure, or taped it down. Thus stop and risk of shorting because of vibration to the body contact points.
I was wondering how many Watts it delivers practicality vs specified 2x150W I would have seriously doubt.
I will be making a video soon on that, stay tuned! peaking at 200 watts!
Man i love ur videos keep going and trust me One day u will be a Famous and u're still ;)
@@RvBv thank you! Beluga is the real catch here!😉🪛
Awesome vid!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great idea curious to see how it has been workijg for you. You should put a few wire grommets in that frunk where the wires go through the body because it will eventually wear the wire away and cause a ground issue.
Appreciate the advice! I'll be sure to add some grommets.
We ran the wire through the existing grommet in the firewall 👍
Are you planning to add additional panelling to your X ?
@@KrafteGrundsatzliche as of now, no! At this time, this is all I need
@ I hear you. It’s rare that a necessary upgrade can look so badass! Was wondering if it were possible to structure the panels similar to like an accordion, when not in use ( for storage ) but in certain situations, imagining a hypothetical config, that (if foldable) one could open up a charging point with ribs to expand it and perhaps place on ground, then once optimal ☀️ declines, could fold.
Operating the panels on the hood suffices for your overall requirements?
@ I have actually seen a company make them for the Model Y (Prototype). For me, I wanted something small and practical, that wouldn’t create too much drag. This setup works so efficiently and requires me to only find some sunn
Now that’s what I’m talking about.
Looks cool! But it's a bummer you had to cut holes in your hood.
Some questions:
Will Tesla still service your car?
Did this void your warranty?
How many watts are you seeing? Looked like only 200 watts of solar at most. Maybe to trickle chart your ecoflow?
All good questions! Stay tuned, most likely not cause we hadn’t done anything major mechanically!
Is this to only power your interior gadgets?
Mostly yes, topping off when I am not in the car!
Well done!
Cheers!
Now, how about adding translucent solar panel for the roof?
Is that possible?
Not sure!
135 watts I have over 20 x that 3 kw on my garage roof facing the sun with the car in the garage out of the sun the second hand panels and rails cost $300 fancy shape and expensive not needed and when the battery is charged in 1/10 the time it can power other things. Gives 200 km range a day if you leave your car in the sun all day under 10 km
Sandro lives in his model x on the road. No garage so this is a great upgrade for him given the limited roof space he has available.
I appreciate your insight, and yes, I realize the solar potential is limited, but still loving it
Pretty sunny in Oregon, well maybe not Portland though
dont you have to put something around the drilled holes in the hood to prevent rust bc of the exposed metal?
@@drevro i believe it's aluminium
It’s aluminium so it won’t rust but it can corrode, but we aren’t afraid of it. Thanks for caring!
@@EverydaySandro ohh okay thats good i didnt know that
That's so cool... Awesome custom panels
Cheers! Solar is the way to go!
@@EverydaySandro I've been pondering how to do some solar on my CyberTruck, so these custom panels seem good for some portions of that...
Already have normal home roof panels, which are better and appropriate for that application.
But some combination of vehicle surface and massive deployable would be neat, if not as practical as a more optimized vehicle like the aptera...
So you are charging the EcoFlow battery and not the Tesla's Battery. Can you please provide additional information on how you take that charge and charge the Tesla?
I will make a video on that too. In my Dempster Highway video, I showcase charging my car using the EcoFlow!
@@EverydaySandro Oh nice, I'll search for that video. I'm a new viewer so I was really curious on how you were connecting the panels to charge the Tesla.
I don't catch the plan behind this. You have a 2,4 kWh EcoFLow and load it with that Solar panels, right ? Do you load the car over the EcoFlow ? How much days must your car rest in the sun to get the Battery loaded ?
The Delta 2 Max has 2 energy inputs, so I can crank up the wattage to charge by using solar and the 12DC in the back. But the whole idea behind this is to keep the EcoFlow topped off constantly instead of needing the car to be on.
EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks mate!
Bro you got some great panels! And good job on the install!
Appreciate the love! Going off-grid has never been easier, it’s coming!
Hopefully we can get 2kwh panels of that size in the future.
That might be hard because of physics, but who knows right?
Cool, what we talking as far as return? 1 mile her hour? Several? Why does it have to go into the ecoflow and not directly?
Not sure the equivalent miles gained as need to do some testing. It’s best not to mess with the HV
It cannot go directly because the HV battery is around 400V DC and these tiny solar panels around 40V DC. You would need a DC-DC converter. The effort and the expense is not worth it. You'll get half a mile per hour with just 300W. Better just to buy an Aptera if they start producing them.
So the eco flow charges your car on the go? Or just for your kitchen?
It can charge the car through the EcoFlow. But it primarily charges the kitchen!
@@EverydaySandro interesting. I love where you’re heading.
Don’t forget to let me know when you stop by New York.
I’d be honored to show you Valiant (model y) and how my setup is for the work I do.
The DELTA 2 Max has 2 inputs for solar/car. Do you plan to still plug it into the car's cigarette lighter?
Yes I will to maximize input. When I do remote trips like Alaska and the Arctic, I unplug everything, so now I have an external supply of energy going into the EcoFlow without tapping into the HV!
Nice project...the panel insterlation is fine! But I can not understand, why you are charching a powerstation and not the car direct.
I will charge the car but have never been in a situation where I had to. It’s mainly to keep my communication supplies powered when I get in a tricky situation that doesn’t require tapping into the HV
300w is a lot for just the bonnet. Imagine if the whole car was covered. Maybe you'd get a kilowatt, or 1.5kw an hour.
It's a great idea but the model x has limited surface area to install solar because of the falcon wing doors. Ideally, all EVs will have integrated solar cells to recharge them in the future 👍
Stupid doors sometimes🥹
There we go thank you 👍
Glad you’re on board!
Hey Nice job!
Did you use a regular xt60 connector to the EcoFlow?
To get a higher W you need to use a xt60-i connector with a ground connected to the negative.
That will boost the W
We ended up soldering XT-60H to the wires as it was recommended by MitoSolar!
Can't you apply soap/water and move it around until it dried and cured?
We weren’t sure, so we played it safely!
Very cool project!
Thanks for checking it out!
Fantastic, Sandro! Four questions:
1. Did you have the panels custom cut?
2. How much do they cost?
3. Can you charge simultaneously from the solar panels and the 12V DC?
4. Which EcoFlow do you have?
Thanks, great questions!
1. These panels are custom made by MitoSolar
2. These panels are sponsored, and each panel varies in price depending on the project!
3/4. I have the EcoFlow Delta Max, which allows 2 power inputs to be combined (12V DC and Solar)
@
Thank you so much, Sandro, for such a fast and informative response.
One follow up question: Are you using your Delta Max with it lying on its side? For me to mount my Delta 3 Plus in in my Model Y in the forward rear sub trunk under Jimmy’s Fruble Lite, it looks like I’m going to have to put it on its side, and I want to be sure it’s safe to do that.
@
Do you have your Delta Max installed on its side? Is it safe to do that? I think I will need to do that in the installation I have underway on my Model Y and want to be sure it’s safe.
@
Is your Delta Max installed on its side? I think I’m going to have to install my Delta 3 Plus on its side in the installation I’m building for my Model Y. Do you know if it’s safe to put the EcoFlow on its side?
@
@
Is your Delta Max installed on its side? I think I’m going to have to install my Delta 3 Plus on its side in the installation I’m building for my Model Y. Do you know if it’s safe to put the EcoFlow on its side?
10 hour to charge how much of the eco flow capacity?
Needs more testing on my part, but with dual input it’s about 5hours on 250 watts
I really like this
Thanks!
Is it easy to add this to the car? Even 1 kW per day could be appealing to people who don't drive much.
Hello Sandro.
Think at the sides. You will be very amazed. Not as efficient as top, but very efficient at all. Within 10 years all véhicules will have top and sides
Thanks for sharing! Just diving into my curiosity
Mercedes are developing solar paint. If that comes to fruition and every electric car can have it, that's a whole lot of free power being harvested.
Hi Sandro! As follower I have interest in a solar roof for my TMS. Do you know if mitosolar will produce any kit for it? Or we have to send the measures of the roof, or in your case, frunk measurements? Love your travels! I am from EU near NL 😎🎯 Keep on the good Work👌💪
Hey Miguel, thanks for being here with us. In regards to getting solar modules, send them an email as they only do custom projects as of now!
- mitosolar.com/contact/
@@EverydaySandro I will! Thanks🙏
Nice 👍
Thanks! It's a game changer.
4:03 here goes nothing SEND IT!!!!
I would have bought a second hand hood and kept original to be able to undo 🤷♂️
@@salvadorbarreiros9376 command Z right?😉
Ctrl Z - guess you are Mac person 😉
no fuse ?
For?
really cool! how much did it cost? how do you plan on maintaining it?
They were custom produced panels form MitoSolar!
Maintaining them, make sure I don’t brake them myself😉
Why do this when it’s such a small amount of range per day. At most we are talking 10 miles but usually less than 5. So expensive. The amount of savings is maybe .50 a day.
Free juice is free juice, and it’s primarily meant to charge my EcoFlow, which has charged my car in the past!
@ I just hope the panels stay put and everything works for you.
@ us too!
I see it as a proof of concept
Nice, do you follow aptera? They're debuting their production ev at CES in a week.
I saw a white X with black frunk in Orange County, CA driving the opposite direction. Could not make out the license plate. BTW nice build. Wonder how that would have worked out for you going to Tuktoyaktuk.
I'm glad you liked the build! Tuktoyaktuk was a real adventure and having reliable solar would have made the journey a LOT easier!
Wow! Please follow up on this topic and review the setup! How does it work compared with regular solar panels.
I am thinking about this might be a bit hard to adjust the efficiency angles.
Also, how it works with multiple solar panels simultaneously to maximize the charging speed and countering the realtime continuous output.
🫡🫡
I will be making a follow-up video - stay tuned! Thanks for being here
bro lives in paradise
Beluga lives in Paradise you mean😉
What part of Oregon are you in?
Don’t live there, home is where I park it😉
Every EV should have solar panels on them
😂
Wasn't this video up yesterday and then disappeared? Anyway, as always I am wishing you the best Sandro! Great great videos!
Yes it was and I took it down as the audio was corrupt! Thanks for watching it again!
Because that ecoflow doesn't have an output transformer to provide galvanic isolation between its DC boost stage and its AC output, one day when it's H-Bridge circuit fails and shorts to ground, you'll fry your Tesla's onboard charger and will void your Tesla's warranty. You should have installed a low frequency, transformer based inverter if you wanted to safely charge your Tesla. Good luck!
Appreciate the feedback!
@@quickquote1568
I don’t think Sandro is trying to charge his Tesla. Instead, he’s just charging his EcoFlow. Does this change your analysis?
I don't think he would use this to top up the HV battery regularly, only in case of emergency. In that case the tradeoff of not using a bulky isolation transformer is ok. For permanent connection I would use a Victron inverter. You'll lose your warranty anyway when you'll splice charging port cabling to connect it.
@@frankfountain7680 The title of his video is "DIY Solar Powered Tesla". So I would assume that he will be plugging his Tesla's EVSE into his Ecoflow to charge his Tesla.
Is that Watt or kWatt??
2 kWh battery!
😆 At a perfect charging rate, you still get less than 1 mile for every 1 hour of charging. At 115 watts, you’re charging at ~0.35 miles of range per hour.
😂
365×12= 4380 free miles a year
@ At 115 watts, you’re charging at ~0.35 miles of range per hour.
I agree, it’s not a game changer for driving distance, but it does keep the lights on! And who knows when these will actually be needed to charge me Beluga😉
Free juice is free juice!🧃
@@EverydaySandro it’s not free when you pay for it. But I guess this video will make it free. 😏
How is this guy helping you!
Mr. Beta - x.com/mrkylefield?s=21
Bro this is revolutionary
Thanks, Beluga is the real show
Hows the wait
Lovely with these views⛺️
Maximum effort, little return, may it'll keep the 12v trickle charged.
The main goal is to keep the power station full when I drive through remote areas! Very little effort to get free juice😉
It would be better if you would just bought a Tesla with solar panels on it you won't have to worry about the front solar panels flying off
Nothing happened so far and been testing it already!
Bravo une beau projet moi j'ai Hunday 2022 Ioniq5 la prochaine une Tesla Y Bonne Année a vous deux
Awesome! Happy new year
no grommet no wire loom looks legit
@@frankbromley260garage thanks Frank! Appreciate you tuning in! Now some serious testing right?
You should make/ sell solar panel hoods for Tesla, maybe it’s not even patented.
That is a great idea! 😉
Toyota had this option on their Prius from 15 years ago. In 2025 Prius prime solar roof option is $610(for 185w panel). It's just a gimmick. Not cost effective for now. Solar panel technology stayed still for over 30 yr(panel efficiency is still only about 20-22% avg).
Waiting for someone to create a paint that can harvest solar energy.
That would be interesting, for my setup, the way I roam, this is soooo worth it
Where is the bio weapen filter in this refresh model x? It no longer lives right behind the frunk wall
I think it’s tugged away behind or near the air compressor
*DIY Solar Powered ECOFLOW - THIS Changes Everything*
Great title suggestion but we will be charging the Tesla too!
@@EverydaySandro
How will you be charging the Tesla? By AC through the EcoFlow?
You got 114W, not 114kW, yet you said it was more than you got on DC, you get about 1000 times less power than DC... I don't think this power is enough to keep sentry mode on even
Just giving this all a try and it’s exciting!
It’s rock proof?
Would you drill a hole(or TWO) in a real Beluga whale? Just sayin… Like the idea but too permanent of an install [on a $100K car] for my liking.
@@js3085 a new hood is $300-500 and the amount of utility I get out of this I can’t quantify. I can’t even harm a fly so I won’t drill real holes in a Beluga
Yeah hood replacement is easily available, even a scrap yard for 120
@@acrusso1 I checked OEM prices and a Model X hood was $3250! Not even sure if that was painted and definitely not installed. I’m thinking $5K for a shop to paint & install. An upgrade would be no drilling, wires out the back tucked under hood. Are those panels “permanently glued on” as well? Again, just thinking trade-in value later. You’re average owner wanting a set up like this will NOT be breaking out the drill. Kit needs work.
Please clarify that this is to charge your power station and not the car. What size is your power station?
I can do both, but the main goal was to keep the power station full when I drive through remote areas without tapping into the HV. When I drove to Tuktoyaktuk, I had no choice but to drain the EcoFlow without charging it with the 12V in the back. The one I have now is the EcoFlow Delta Max
It's a cool idea. I mean it looks great too but sadly the results doesn't satisfy the effort. Once the summer heat comes along, I don't know how long those 2 panels will stay in the car plus the less aerodynamic will just negate what ever you gain. If you're just looking to prolong the Ecoflow when needed, you're just better off getting an extended battery. I know you don't have much room in the car but there's better idea out there.
I’ll keep you posted on how it performs in the summer! It’s true, efficiency loss with greater heat but I am covering all this in my next video! Thanks for watching