OPTISOLEX

I’m a non-linear thinker.

Hello OPTISOLEX,

I recently purchased one of your MPPT charge controllers along with your 440W solar panel, which can be separated into two 220W panels. I’m currently using an older Goal Zero Yeti 1250 that I’ve upgraded with lithium batteries, and I’ve developed what I believe is a very practical and affordable way to charge an electric vehicle using portable solar power.

The system is surprisingly simple. There are no complicated wiring modifications, no unnecessary labor, and no elaborate setup. It’s clean, efficient, portable, and built using readily available components.

To fully test the concept, I’m hoping to expand the system with one additional OPTISOLEX charge controller and another 440W panel. I wanted to reach out to see if you’d be interested in partnering with me by loaning those components for testing.

In return, I’ll document the entire project, record real-world performance, publish all of the results, and produce a detailed video showing exactly how the system works. I’ll be completely transparent with the data—what works well, what can be improved, charging performance, efficiency, and overall cost.

One of the things that makes this project exciting is the cost. Similar portable solar EV charging concepts have been announced by other companies, but they’re expected to cost several thousand dollars. My goal is to demonstrate that a practical solution may be possible using affordable, off-the-shelf components while showcasing the capabilities of your products.

I’m also dyslexic, which means I tend to approach engineering problems from a different angle than most people. That non-linear way of thinking led me to this design, and I’d love the opportunity to see how far I can take it with your support.

Would OPTISOLEX be interested in collaborating on this project? I think together we could demonstrate an innovative and accessible approach to portable solar EV charging.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

One of the goals of this project is to make the entire system as seamless as possible.

The modified solar generator would be stored in the rear hatch of my vehicle, making it a permanent part of the car without requiring permanent modifications to the vehicle itself. My model includes an unused compartment where higher trim levels have additional charging hardware. I plan to utilize that existing space by installing weatherproof connectors behind the factory charging door.

When the charging door is closed, every connection disappears from view. The solar inputs, AC output for the EV charger, and other external connections remain completely hidden, preserving the factory appearance of the vehicle.

This creates a dual-purpose system. The same modified solar generator that powers my EV can also provide portable electricity for camping, emergency backup, or other off-grid activities. It essentially gives my car its own mobile power source.

From an electrical standpoint, the system is designed to maximize the use of live solar energy. My LiFePO₄ battery system is capable of accepting substantially more solar input than the original batteries. If the EV charger is drawing approximately 600 watts while the solar array is producing around 400 watts, the batteries only need to provide the remaining 200 watts. Instead of relying entirely on stored battery energy, the system combines real-time solar production with battery storage.

Adding a second solar panel and an additional OPTISOLEX MPPT charge controller would allow me to test higher charging rates while still offsetting much of the load with solar power. Because my adjustable EV charger allows me to select different charging currents and schedule charging during peak sunlight hours, I can optimize the system for efficiency rather than simply charging at the highest possible rate.

My objective is to demonstrate that a clean, portable, and modular solar charging system can meaningfully supplement EV charging while remaining practical for everyday use. I believe this approach has potential not only as a personal project but also as a proof of concept for portable solar-assisted EV charging.

IFelixYou