Tesla’s impact on the automotive industry has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Yet even today, investors and consumers alike are expecting more from the electric automaker. Or at least, for Musk to live up to his claims.
The talk of solar roof panels has been ongoing since 2017, when Musk first shared his vision of integrating solar cells onto the Model 3. While that vision didn’t pan out, the launch of the Cybertruck brought new possibilities.
Musk surprised everyone by announcing a solar roof option for Tesla’s electric pickup truck, boasting an additional 15 miles of range per day. Later, Tesla filed a patent revealing plans to embed solar cells within the retractable tonneau cover of the Cybertruck.
Despite the anticipation, the Cybertruck’s arrival did not include the promised solar roof option – at least not yet. But it did come equipped with the option to purchase a 130-mile range extender.
One fed-up Model Y owner has taken the demand for a solar roof option into his own hands with the recent unveiling of his DIY project.
Introducing the Beta1
As reported by Mashable, Reddit user somid3 gave online viewers a first glimpse at his latest DIY project, Beta1. This 2000 watt to 4000 watt deployable solar roof retracts when the car is in motion, and provides clean charging when parked.
Image source: Mashable
What to know about Beta1
The following details were found on dartsolar.com, the official website for the Beta1 solar roof.
Portability and Convenience:
- Beta One is designed to be easily transportable, weighing less than 165 lbs (75 kg) and capable of being carried on the roof rack of your electric vehicle (EV).
- When expanded, it conveniently fits within a standard parking spot, ensuring practicality and ease of use.
Clean, Solar-Powered Energy:
- Equipped with nine 175 watt solar panels, Beta One generates 100% clean and net-positive power from the sun.
- With just five hours of sunlight per day, Beta One can add 6kWh of energy to your EV, providing a range boost of approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers).
Durability and Versatility:
- Built to withstand various environmental conditions, Beta One is resilient against bumps, water, snow, and other natural elements.
- Its robust construction ensures that you can take it anywhere without worrying about damage, offering peace of mind for your outdoor adventures.
Simplified Ownership Experience:
- Beta One utilizes specialized flexible solar panels that are designed without junction boxes, allowing for flat shipping and hassle-free handling.
- The assembly process is straightforward, consisting of four sub-sections, making it easy and intuitive to put together.
- Priced competitively at a target of $4k USD, Beta One offers a short payback period, ensuring that your investment pays off quickly and delivers value for money.
Image source: DartSolar
The value of solar roofs on EVs
Solar roofs on electric vehicles bring a lot to the table. These roofs can give your car an extra boost, extending your driving range and reducing the need for frequent charging pit stops. Plus, they’re a win for the planet, cutting down on carbon emissions and helping us move towards a greener future.
And let’s not forget the added bonus of energy independence – with a solar roof, you’ve got your own power source on wheels, perfect for those unexpected power outages or off-grid adventures. So, whether you’re all about sustainability or just looking to save a bit on your energy bills, solar roofs on EVs are definitely worth considering.
Final thoughts on Beta1 solar roof
After successfully making electric driving mainstream, Tesla has some big shoes to fill. While the Cybertruck is creating new buzz around the electric automaker, there are still plenty of Tesla owners who are getting impatient with the delays and unfulfilled promises.
As Musk and his team continue to push the boundaries of innovation, the pressure is on to deliver on the lofty expectations set by their past successes. Only time will tell if Tesla can rise to the challenge and maintain its position as a leader in the electric industry.
In the meantime, we’re excited to see somid3’s solar roof design come to life, but whether it has aerodynamic or charging flaws is yet to be seen. To conclude, tell us what you think about this solar panel system below!
Blog Image Source: DartSolar
