E-bikes are bikes that are powered by electricity as well as can be driven manually via pedals. They require electricity for a fast and comfortable bike riding experience.
With the extensive use of fossil fuels, there is an exponential increase in carbon footprint (total greenhouse gas emission).
The depletion of energy resources and unfortunate climate changes have made it more difficult to reduce our carbon footprint.
Shifting to e-bikes and then charging them with solar panels is an easy and convenient option.
What Is a Solar Panel?
Solar Panels, also known as Photovoltaic Panels or PV Panels, are panels that convert sunlight (solar energy) into electricity.
Since sunlight is composed of photons, the sun’s energy is harvested into electricity through a process called photovoltaics, and the panels are made of photovoltaic cells.
Solar Panels are primarily used for electricity production but they also have a wide range of applications like remote sensing, telecommunication equipment, and remote power system i.e., a device powered from a centralized location.
Why Choose Solar Panel for Charging Your E-bike?
Solar Panels bring independence and financial and environmental benefits.
Charging your e-bike with solar panels can first of all reduce your carbon footprint.
Most e-bike batteries are 48V or 52V which makes it easier to charge them with solar panels.
- Renewable Energy: Solar Panels use renewable energy resources which makes them the best alternative to non-renewable resources. Not only this but while converting solar energy into electric energy you are generating an artificial source of renewable energy.
- Save Energy consumption and Electricity Bill: Due to climate change and geopolitical situations we might face energy shortages, unfortunately, shifting to solar energy for charging your e-bikes not only conserves energy but also saves electricity bills.
- Low Maintenance: You don’t want to get lost in the woods just because you ran out of charging. Solar Panels are low maintenance which means you can charge your e-bikes on the go. All you have to do is pay the initial cost of the solar panel that is compatible with your e-bike.
How Can You Charge Your E-bike With Solar Panel?
It is often assumed that e-bikes require special treatment in terms of charging but this is not the case.
Charging your e-bike with a solar panel is quite an easy process. All you need to know is
- Your e-bike’s compatibility with the solar panel, means you need the right type of solar panel for your e-bike.
- To connect your e-bike, you need proper wiring equipment which helps in connecting the power source to your bike.
- Placing it under the sun or an appropriate place where there is enough sunlight for the panel to get charged.
Choose a Compatible Solar Panel for Charging Your E-Bike
Choosing the right solar panel for your e-bike is one of the most important and demanding steps.
There are several types of solar panels to choose from, and each one of them is purposeful.
- Portable Solar Charger
A portable solar charger is one of the best options because you can take it with you.
These chargers are a perfect companion for long distances as you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere.
In addition, they are foldable which means you can carry them with you but cannot charge your bike while riding it.
- Stationery Solar Charger
Stationery as the name suggests, are non-moveable heavy solar panels.
They can only be used at a fixed point means you cannot carry them with you.
They are usually used for houses and institutions and are unfit for travelers.
- Rear Rack or Trailers
This option is one of the most expensive options since it allows you to charge the bike while riding it.
This process requires you to buy a solar panel and a trailer. Carrying a rack or trailer makes your bike heavy thus affecting your mobility.
Buying the Right Wire System for Connecting Your E-Bike
Connectivity between the power source i.e., solar panel and the e-bike has to be uninterrupted and to ensure a steady current flow the right wiring equipment must be chosen.
A charge controller will also be used to track energy conversion and optimization.
Most solar panels come with a charge controller but if you don’t have one, prefer buying one.
A charge controller allows a steady flow of charge and reduces the change of overflow.
Connecting the Bike to Your Charging System
Mistakes are often made at this step since we presume, we have to connect the solar panel and the e-bike with one another but this is incorrect.
Before you try this all by yourself make sure to cover your hands with anti-shock gloves and your eyes with glasses as well.
The proper way to get your battery connected to the charger is:
E-Bike gets connected to the Charge Controller ß Solar Panel gets connected to the charge controller as well.
Placing the Solar Panel in Sunlight for Charging
The final step is to place the solar panel on the perfect spot at an angle that allows maximum solar energy to hit the surface of the panel thus converting it into electricity for your e-bike.
The sunlight will charge the photovoltaic cells which will then pass through the charge controller and a controlled or say optimized charge will flow toward the battery in this way solar panels will charge your e-bike.
Conclusion
E-bikes can be easily and safely charged with solar panels as they don’t require high voltages.
It has become a challenge to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases because of fossil fuel consumption.
Moving towards e-bikes and using solar panels for their charging will not only reduce the emission of greenhouse gases but also help in energy conservation.
Charging e-bikes with solar panels is a cost-effective option as it only requires initial cost, has low maintenance, and provides you with an independent power source.
Furthermore, using solar panels to charge e-bikes puts a lesser load on the electricity bills and it is a sustainable practice.
