Tesla Owner Creates DIY Solar Array for Model Y
In a world where Elon Musk’s Tesla is at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation, one enterprising Tesla owner has taken matters into his own hands to address a notable absence in solar panel technology. The creative individual has crafted a solar panel array designed to be mounted on the roof of a Model Y, allowing for solar energy to be harnessed and deployed while the vehicle is stationary.
The DIY solar array, while a bit bulky and janky in appearance, represents a significant breakthrough for Tesla owners seeking sustainable energy solutions. This innovation fills the void left by Tesla’s lack of integrated solar charging features in its vehicles. Despite repeated promises from Elon Musk and Tesla to incorporate solar technology, no tangible progress has been made in this regard.
The journey towards integrating solar panels into Tesla’s vehicles has been fraught with challenges. In 2017, Musk advocated for the incorporation of solar panels into the Model 3, only to have engineers determine that the endeavor was impractical. Subsequently, the much-hyped Cybertruck, which was anticipated to feature a solar roof, ultimately did not offer this option when it was released.
Musk himself has acknowledged the limitations of solar energy for vehicles, stating, “You don’t have enough surface area to keep the car going just from the car’s surface area.” This acknowledgment echoes the practical challenges that have impeded the integration of solar technology into Tesla’s vehicles.
While the quest for solar-powered vehicles seems daunting, a recent endeavor in Australia saw a team of scientists drive a Tesla around 9,400 miles using rollable solar panels. However, the sheer size of these panels, measuring a staggering 59 feet each, underscores the magnitude of the challenge in harnessing solar power for vehicles.
In the absence of a definitive solution from Tesla, the DIY solar array created by an innovative Tesla owner serves as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of individuals in pursuing sustainable energy solutions for electric vehicles. As the world continues to seek environmentally friendly alternatives, such grassroots initiatives pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in the automotive industry.
