Austin Rice

Well, I have an electric skateboard that takes four 12 volt 5 amp Lead Acid batteries. I was wondering if I could buy some solar panels to put on the sides, front, and back of my skateboard, and have them charge the batteries as I ride the board. Would this be possible?

SacramentoJoe

Maybe you can put some on an umbrella. Charge your batteries while you hang out in the shade.

Austin Rice

That doesn't answer my question.

Rodney

Yes, theoretically you could, but the array to provide adequate current and voltage would be so large and unwieldly that you would not be able to use it.

Austin Rice

What if a switch were installed to control whether the solar panel would charge the batteries or not? Or a dimmer switch?

SacramentoJoe

With an average of 250 milli-amps per square foot, you could use a 5 foot diameter umbrella covered with solar cells and get around 5 amps from it. That would probably weigh around 20 pounds.

Austin Rice

Then you calculate the amount of drag that mostrosity creates, and I go about 5-10 mph less. >20 mph less on a windy day and I am going against the wind. >500 mph if going with the wind.

Bass1

Just use the umbrella as a sail to catch the wind. Then wait for the wind to shift so you can "sailboard" back home!

richrd

It's simple the solor panel are too big.

It would have been done if all you had to do was think of it.