Solar Powered Wheelchair - Bathurst
The V8 supercars are not the only high-tech four wheelers on the streets of Bathurst. Bathurst man, Bob Triming, has modified
his wheelchair to use solar energy. By converting his electric wheelchair to use solar power, he not only sends a valuable message
about caring for the environment, he also has increased his mobility and improved the safety of his wheelchair.
Bob installed a pair of 20 Watt panels in series to deliver the 24 Volts required by his wheelchair. The extra energy provided by
the solar panels gives Bob an extra 30 minutes of full power every sunny day, and sunny days are the days you want to be out
and about. When it rains the solar panels are not useless; they function as an umbrella. The solar panels and frame are easily
detached to allow for easy transportation of the wheelchair.
(solar panels detached)
Bob has also added some side and rear LED lights to his wheelchair. These LED lights use very little electricity and greatly improve
the visibility and safety of the wheelchair.
“I was overwhelmed with the service from Energy matters,” said Bob. Energy Matters provided the solar panels and wiring
diagrams, with Bob Triming coming up with the idea, design and implementation.