I recently came across some articles about new regulations in the UK that allow solar panels to be installed on balconies. This got me thinking about whether I could use those same solar panels to charge my e-bike. I've noticed that the panels designed for balconies and those made for e-bikes seem to be similar in size. I'm considering a scenario where I might not want to invest in a full solar installation because of limited sunlight, and building a dedicated solar e-bike setup might not be justifiable since I only do long rides a few times a year. Having panels that could work for both purposes sounds appealing. However, I have some concerns, like the weight differences; the e-bike panels need to be light while home installations can afford to be heavier for longevity. I'd love to hear from anyone experienced with solar technology if there are any obvious downsides to this idea. I understand I won't fully power my e-bike with solar alone, but I'm hoping to reduce my charging stops during long rides by using solar. Any insights?
3 Answers
Definitely possible, but whether it makes a difference for your bike depends on your setup. I’m skeptical about balcony solar panels being effective because they don’t always get ideal sunlight, especially in northern Europe like the UK. My garden setup struggles in winter, and I wonder how a non-ideal balcony setup would fare—maybe not well at that 250w rating!
It really hinges on your setup! A lot of balcony kits include a battery, which simplifies things. In my case, I have a small 100w panel outside that keeps my e-bike and other tools charged. You might find it sufficient too, depending on your needs.
I’m concerned about adding weight with a battery just for the e-bike setup. Ideally, if I could plug my system directly into the bike’s input, that would be perfect, but I guess there are safety concerns with that approach.
A few things to consider: the cheaper rigid panels tend to be heavy and not great for flexibility, while lighter panels for bikes don’t last as long. The UK does allow small-scale solar setups that can charge batteries, which could let you use a few panels to both power your home and charge your e-bike, if you get enough sunlight.
I read that flexible panels drop in efficiency faster because they’re made from plastic rather than glass. So it might be wiser to have separate systems for your home and bike.
If those balcony panels are efficient enough, they could still work in less-than-perfect conditions. Plus, many people put up barriers around balconies for privacy, which could offset some costs in your calculations.