In this 2013 wintertime video I like to show project: "SolarCross" in operation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrZlINxBeag My custom electric bike operates on just 3 volts or below 15 Watts of solar power, I connect the panel output directly to the motor.
The lightweight hand made solar panel utilizes brittle 16% Monocrystalline silicon solar cells which are rated for 24 watts in optimal conditions. The white paper strips on the sides of the panel act as a reflector which has extremely high diffuse reflectance and has greater than 97% reflectance across the visible spectrum.
With amazing advances announced in photovoltaics in labs during the past year alone, I believe we are on the cusp of a new age of solar transportation.
