Comments on: Solar Powered Geo Metro – Boise Idaho

By: John Weber

John Weber — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:31:14 +0000

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.

By: Bob in Boise

Bob in Boise — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:43:45 +0000

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

By: thwackugh

thwackugh — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:07:03 +0000

the report did say that the car could also be plugged in…maybe that’s the boost that’s needed

By: indnajns

indnajns — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:22:33 +0000

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?

By: jordan

jordan — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:16:31 +0000

Did you read the article?

It’s a Ford Festiva.

By: indnajns

indnajns — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:20:53 +0000

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!