harry wrote:
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.

All solar panels are 100% efficient as the energy you get is free.