Hypothesis we can convert the conventional energy being used with the engine block heaters to a solar powered engine block heater.
Solar panel engine block heater.
Unit is powered using only one solar panel.
But the 1 5kw turned on an hour or so before start were enough to guarantee a start.
The biggest problem with a diesel in winter is just pure cranking power also with adding a trickle charge from the solar panel you will also slightly warm the batteries so they will perform better 2 fold.
De longhi mica thermic panel heater full room quiet 1500w freestanding easy install wall mount adjustable thermostat 2 heat settings black hmp1500 4 1 out of 5 stars 2 794 92 32 92.
Quote i realize that running a regular block heater is a no go given the power consumed and like i said in the op just getting the engine up to a 10c or 15c temp would suffice.
The block heaters i used on car v8s were probably a lot more efficient than the 1 5kw external heaters that circulated the coolant.
I would think just use the solar panel to charge top off the batteries would be more then enough for 85 of the situations you run into.
Order engine heater block universal for your vehicle and pick it up in store make your purchase find a store near you and get directions.
All you need is 2 things to make it.
Seriously though you d need a very large solar array to generate the 1 500 watts required to run a block heater.
The 500w in block needed more time which at some temp probably cancels their efficiency.
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