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Solar Powered Geo Metro – Boise Idaho
According to this story from a local TV station, John Weber from Boise, Idaho gets around in a custom built, solar powered Geo Metro.
As to why he built the solar powered car, Weber says:
I don’t like to be dependent on big global corporations to get my needs met, I like to get my needs met locally.
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Can someone give details of how this guy managed this? How did he avoid the solar “wings” or the pull behind trailer full of solar panels that the experimentals always seem to require? A geo metro doesn’t have that much square area for solar collection. Inquiring minds want to know!
Words by indnajns on May 20, 2008 at 7:20 am | #
Did you read the article?
It’s a Ford Festiva.
Words by jordan on May 20, 2008 at 9:16 am | #
Yes, I read the article. I’m not big on models. The blurb above says Geo Metro. Metro/Festiva, same sort of model car – small. The fact that it’s a Ford vs Geo doesn’t answer the question. HOW did he do this? Everything I’ve ever read says Solar cells aren’t far enough along to pull this off. Does he only get to drive 5 mph? He does talk about driving a family around on a bike if he ever gets one. Maybe he doesn’t mind below useful speeds. It supposedly was in some “green technology” show but I still can’t find any better information than this basic story. Any ideas anyone?
Words by indnajns on May 21, 2008 at 10:22 am | #
the report did say that the car could also be plugged in…maybe that’s the boost that’s needed
Words by thwackugh on May 22, 2008 at 9:07 am | #
John’s car will only go a few miles a day (3 or 4) if using the roof mounted cells only.
The reason he is selling it is because he fully understands ‘Peak Oil’ and its implications. It won’t matter if you come up with a nuclear powered car, the roads are going to fall apart soon and there is nothing that can be done about that in a high cost energy environment.
Bob
Words by Bob in Boise on May 22, 2008 at 4:43 pm | #
I would like to get hold of John Weber preferably via email. That is also my name and I lived off the grid for 30 years from 1974 to 2004. At my new home I have a 3kWh grid tie system with a greenhouse attached. I am also developing an organic orchard and truck farm that will eventually by off the grid. I think it would be fun to connect with him.
Words by John Weber on December 31, 2009 at 10:31 am | #