Custom spoiler with LEDs and maybe solar cells

[Safety Guy]

I've planned for awhile to install some LED lighting in my Festiva rear spoiler: center brake lights, turn signals, maybe running lights or even white reverse lights. I'll probably use .7 watt LEDs for all of these, except for the reverse lights which would probably be 1 or 2 watts.

Since the spoiler is a reasonably flat, large surface which would get plenty of sunlight, I'm now thinking about a DIY solar cell installation to keep the battery topped off or even charge a separate emergency lighting system.

Here is one commercial car battery upkeep system:

http://www.siliconsolar.com/shop/catalog/Solar-Car-Battery-Charger-p-139.html

It measures 12" by 4" and costs $25.

Now here are some scrap solar cells to work with to learn about solar setups:

http://www.siliconsolar.com/shop/catalog/Scrap-Solar-Cells-04-1203-p-107.html

And solar kits to make your own PV (photovoltaic) panels:

http://www.siliconsolar.com/shop/catalog/Build-Your-Own-Solar-Panel-Kits-8W-p-16188.html

This could be an economical way to include solar in a car application, to either keep the battery topped off or charge smaller batteries for flashlights or interior LED lighting.

Thoughts? Anyone work with PV stuff?

Karl

[aithanmier]

ok i just have to ask....why? are you having probelms with your charging system or something?

[Safety Guy]

First, it's the kewl faktor.

Then, maybe I do need some help with my half-size battery. Maybe I really need to upgrade to a 4 ga. battery cable. I need to check that out.

Karl