Method for powering a liftgate with solar energy

Abstract

A method for generating electricity from solar power to a liftgate, relying on a photovoltaic panels ( 1 ) circuit interruption device ( 3,9 ); charge controller ( 4 ); batteries ( 5 ); liftgate ( 7 ); electrical wires, and fuses. The photovoltaic panel(s) will generate electrical power that will provide sufficient power to run the liftgate.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of operating a trailer lift gate with a solar power system, the method comprising:
 arranging a charge controller between at least one trailer-mounted photovoltaic solar panel, at least one vehicle-mounted battery and at least one trailer lift gate;   automatically detecting solar panel power generation, trailer lift gate electrical power consumption, and battery charge with the charge controller; and   selectively routing power between the at least one solar panel, the at least one trailer lift gate, and the at least one battery using the charge controller, dependent on the detected power generation, power consumption and battery charge.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising isolating the at least one solar panel from the charge controller, the at least one vehicle-mounted battery and the at least one trailer lift gate using a DC disconnect. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising isolating the at least one battery from the charge controller, the at least one vehicle-mounted solar panel and the at least one trailer lift gate using a DC disconnect. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the isolating the charge controller and the at least one trailer lift gate from the at least one vehicle-mounted solar panel and the at least one battery using respective DC disconnects.