Solar Powered MG

[dgs99]

I'm just coming up to my second year of ownership of an MG5 and had a wall charger for as long, but have only just started being able to use the charger in solar mode. In the past it would always draw from the grid rather from the solar panels, whenever I elected solar or solar + mode. After much discussion, I finally was able to get an engineer to come out to investigate. He took one look at my unit to say that the CT clamp had been incorrectly fitted the wrong way around. The unit works great now and although I dont do a high mileage I can top up the car from 58% to 80% with just 4 hours of sunshine.

 

[johnb80]

I'm just coming up to my second year of ownership of an MG5 and had a wall charger for as long, but have only just started being able to use the charger in solar mode. In the past it would always draw from the grid rather from the solar panels, whenever I elected solar or solar + mode. After much discussion, I finally was able to get an engineer to come out to investigate. He took one look at my unit to say that the CT clamp had been incorrectly fitted the wrong way around. The unit works great now and although I dont do a high mileage I can top up the car from 58% to 80% with just 4 hours of sunshine.

I've done 8000 miles this year in my BMW i3, all of it on solar power, absolute result and youre entitled to enjoy the very smug feeling.

 

[Gadget Geek]

I had a free Pod-Point with my first EV (Hyundai Ioniq 28kWh). Rather than splash out a few hundred quid on a Zappi etc, I bought a variable current granny charger and have wired in a light sensitive circuit to the Pilot Signal to start and stop the charge when the sun comes out or goes in. Last month got 333 miles off solar, and this month so far, 153.

(Sings) I'm driving on sunshine, woh-ho.

 

[Alb]

You could fuel an ICE car with Moonshine

 

[GaryMG4]

Was out in the ice car today, so put the MG on charge with the granny charger. I added 62 miles, smart meter cost was 40p, socket monitor showed 13.68 kw consumed. Happy with that.

 

[johnb80]

Was out in the ice car today, so put the MG on charge with the granny charger. I added 62 miles, smart meter cost was 40p, socket monitor showed 13.68 kw consumed. Happy with that.

What tariff are you on to get energy at 3p kWh?

 

[GaryMG4]

What tariff are you on to get energy at 3p kWh?

As per the title, solar powered.

 

[johnb80]

As per the title, solar powered.

In that case, why is it costing you so much

 

[tsedge]

My guess would be this is intermittent solar and grid, so averaging to 3p/kWh?

 

[GaryMG4]

My guess would be this is intermittent solar and grid, so averaging to 3p/kWh?

Yes, the 40p was gross cost so included base load that wasn't covered by solar when car was charging.

 

[ayres]

Work shifts 2 days 2 nights 4 days off and commute 80miles return for each of those shifts. April may June was mostly solar only. Been a bit dismal the last couple of months though.

 

[Martin]

Just about to install DIY off grid solar charging station. Got all the bits, I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[seaphantom]

Post pics as well pls

 

[Martin]

Will do, although it will probably be a week or two.

 

[GaryMG4]

I was playing with the AC power setting with a view to using it when the generation rates are lower. interestingly at 6amps the plug monitor showed 1400w but the car only received 800w, so 600w charging loss, but at full power the granny charger consumes 2200w with the car receiving 1900w.