It’s an intriguing concept, but the devil’s in the details. Solar panels on a frame can generate a few watts, enough to trickle‑charge a small battery, but the weight and drag added by the panels and the limited surface area make the gains marginal compared to the power needs of a bike‑packing kit. Plus, you have to think about the reliability of the charging system in variable light, the cost of integrating efficient panels, and the extra maintenance. It could work in a niche—say for ultramarathons in open desert—but for everyday trail use it might stay a tech‑dream until solar cell efficiency, power‑to‑weight ratios, and smart energy management get a few more jumps forward. So, not a dead end, but a path that’s still under construction.

Sounds like a solid plan—focus on weight first, tech later. When the panels shrink and the power‑to‑weight ratio improves, we’ll revisit the idea. Until then, keep the bike’s center of gravity low and the trail bright. 🚴‍♀️🌞