Harnessing the Sun: DIY Solar Roof Mod Powers Tesla Model Y

• ☀️ A Tesla Model Y owner created a DIY solar roof mod for the electric crossover.
• 🚗 The solar array charger has been in development for two years and is now in proof of concept form.
• 🌍 The system allows the Model Y to charge from the sun while parked outside, providing 20-60 miles of charge per day.
• 🛠️ The DIY setup uses telescoping carbon fiber tubes to deploy and retract the solar panels, staying within the Model Y’s roof weight capacity.
• 💡 The solar charger is designed to be non-intrusive, fitting within one parking space even with fully extended panels.
• 🔍 The current prototype, Beta 1, is 11 inches tall and made of wood and carbon fiber tubes, with a Beta 2 version in the works made entirely of carbon fiber and measuring 6 inches in height.
• 💲 The Model Y owner aims for a cost of about $1 per watt, making the expanding solar charger reasonably priced.
• 🌞 Tests in Los Angeles have shown encouraging results, with 20 miles gained using the 2,000-watt model through AC charging and 60 miles with the 4,000-watt model through DC charging.
• 🌐 The project has a dedicated website, DartSolar.com, where updates on the solar charger’s development are posted.
• 👍 Positive reception from the r/TeslaLounge subreddit, with users appreciating the benefits and straightforward approach to solar-powered EV charging.

In the realm of sustainable innovation, a Tesla Model Y owner has embarked on a remarkable journey, creating a DIY solar roof modification that not only adds a touch of eco-futurism to the electric crossover but also enhances its daily charge capabilities. This groundbreaking solar array charger, in development for two years, has evolved into a proof of concept, offering an insightful glimpse into the future of solar-powered electric vehicles.

Unveiling the Solar Marvel

1. A Sun-Powered Vision: The visionary Model Y owner has successfully crafted a system that taps into the inexhaustible energy of the sun. This solar array charger is not just a modification; it’s a testament to the fusion of sustainable technology with everyday transportation.
2. Two Years in the Making: The journey began two years ago, with the Model Y owner dedicated to refining and perfecting the solar roof mod. The result is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of sustainable solutions in the realm of electric vehicles.
3. Charging Under the Sun: The heart of this innovation lies in its ability to harness solar energy while the Model Y is parked outside. The system boasts a commendable range, providing the electric crossover with 20-60 miles of charge per day, depending on its configuration.

The Art of DIY Engineering

4. Telescoping Carbon Fiber Tubes: The DIY setup employs telescoping carbon fiber tubes, a stroke of engineering brilliance, to deploy and retract the solar panels. This design ensures that the entire setup remains within the Model Y’s roof weight capacity, showcasing a thoughtful approach to integration.
5. Non-Intrusive Design: Sustainability meets practicality with a non-intrusive design. Even with fully extended solar panels, the entire setup neatly fits within the confines of a single parking space. It’s a demonstration of how eco-friendly solutions can seamlessly integrate into our daily lives.

Prototypes and Cost Efficiency

6. Beta 1 Prototype: The current prototype, Beta 1, stands at 11 inches tall and is crafted from a combination of wood and carbon fiber tubes. This version serves as a stepping stone towards perfecting the solar charger’s design and functionality.
7. Beta 2 in Progress: The journey doesn’t end with Beta 1. A Beta 2 version is in the works, promising improvements. This iteration will be made entirely of carbon fiber and measures just 6 inches in height. The dedication to refining the design speaks volumes about the commitment to efficiency.
8. Cost-Effective Vision: The Model Y owner envisions a cost-effective solution, aiming for a target of about $1 per watt. This approach ensures that the expanding solar charger remains accessible and reasonably priced for the wider community of electric vehicle enthusiasts.

Testing in the City of Angels

9. Los Angeles Trials: The solar charger’s capabilities have undergone rigorous testing in Los Angeles, a city blessed with abundant sunlight. Tests, limited to five hours of charging to account for winter weather, have yielded promising results.
10. Encouraging Mileage: The Model Y gained 20 miles with the system’s 2,000-watt model through AC charging and an impressive 60 miles with the 4,000-watt model through DC charging. These results underscore the practicality and efficiency of the solar array charger.

Join the Solar Movement

11. DartSolar.com Updates: For enthusiasts and curious minds alike, the project has found a virtual home at DartSolar.com. Regular updates on the solar charger’s development, insights, and future plans are shared on this dedicated platform.
12. Community Appreciation: The r/TeslaLounge subreddit has become a hub of appreciation for this solar innovation. Fellow Tesla owners and enthusiasts applaud the benefits and the straightforward approach to solar-powered EV charging.

Embracing a Solar-Powered Future

In conclusion, this DIY solar roof mod for the Tesla Model Y transcends mere customization; it’s a symbol of the ongoing revolution in sustainable transportation. As the automotive world increasingly embraces clean energy solutions, innovations like these pave the way for a future where our vehicles not only consume energy responsibly but also contribute to it. The sun, once merely a celestial body, becomes an active participant in our daily commute, powering the way forward.