On Sep 25, 11:32*am, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:
In article
,
* *harry wrote:

Its very efficient. Probably 80% or better.

Wrong as usual TurNiP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alterna...ve_alternators
Efficiency of automotive alternators is limited by fan cooling loss,
bearing loss, iron loss, copper loss, and the voltage drop in the
diode bridges. At partial load efficiency is between 50-62% depending
on the size of alternator and varies with alternator speed.[8] This is
similar to very small high-performance permanent magnet alternators,
such as those used for bicycle lighting systems, which achieve an
efficiency around 60%.

What's the efficiency of your solar panels, Harry?


Around 11%.
But neither here nor there as sunshine is free. You have to pay for
petrol etc.
You can buy ones of around 14% (Cost more).
There are ones in the laboratory of around 40%.
Early days yet.