Earthstar Forums

Thin film solar panels with an energy conversion rate of 23% like
the Sun seeker Duo seems to me as the next logical step in the
evolution of electrics to becoming mainstream power plants in the
light aircraft market.
The minute you roll out of the hanger, your charging. When you go to a fly in
and land your helping eliminate range anxiety by putting back some of the energy used. Hopefully there could be a 1:1 ratio of best glide speed and pure solar.
Ideal for maximum endurance or limp home mode .
Cost is the big unknown here. The future is looking more promising as incremental
improvements make yesterdays pipe dream tomorrows reality
Carl

doesn't work; more like 1:0.3 glide at pure solar; ~5 square meter wing; max. sunlight 1367W per sqm; the older 20kW eGull used to cruise at ~4kW...

rc

The idea would  be to roll  out in the morning  and charge up  then fly in the afternoon..   Carbon  fibre  electric aircraft motors  are  20  HP>    and 5.6 lbs     they run  just under $2000.00  .    sumpower panels are  3 lbs  per  120 watts   and  approx. $2.00 a watt  .    Lifepo4  batteries are   about $600  a  kilowatt.  You need  about 8 kw  for a good flight ..     Then    the solar  with the  battery is a nice flight     big  ger wings   for more solar        BUT   you are off the ultralight  part 103    Ive working on  plane for  2 years now .  I hope I can make it real    Ed