Driving Photovoltaics – Solar cars
With the huge interest in renewable and sustainable energy, many automotive developers are working on solar cars, a technology that can change the future of the automotive industry.
Solar cars are a type of electric cars that are covered with photovoltaic cells which convert the solar energy into electricity. They also have batteries in which they can store some solar energy that allows them to run at night or when in the case of rainy or snowy weather.
A lot of automobile companies, both large and small are involved in developing solar-powered cars. Auto makers are already working on a way to make solar panels on cars an every day thing, like solar roof panels on roofs and on the ground.
But how do Solar Cars work?
Solar powered cars use solar panels to capture energy from the sun, just like solar powered homes. The energy from the panels is used to fuel a battery, which runs the car’s motor. Solar panels are usually placed on the roof of the car, but they can also be placed on the sides as well.
Advantages of Solar-Powered Cars
Renewable Energy: Solar powered electric vehicles have no negative impact on the environment because they don’t use non-renewable resources and burn fuel. The electric energy produced by the solar cars doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases or other pollutants into the earth’s atmosphere.
No Noise Pollution: Cars with electric motors are quieter than the vehicles powered by conventional fuels.
No Fuel Costs: Solar cars have no fuel costs and they have a low cost of maintenance.
Energy Accessibility: Solar cars get their power from the sun that shines and provides endless energy throughout the day. So, the solar panels can produce and store more power for the vehicle.
Disadvantages of Solar-Powered Cars
Expensive Batteries: If you need a replacement of the solar panels or batteries, that can cost a pretty penny. This issue makes the solar cars a costly affair.
Limited Energy Conversion: The photovoltaic cells have an efficiency of 15-30%, which may not be enough to power the vehicles sometimes.
Design Challenge: Solar cars require a large surface area on roof for solar panels and have low wind resistance.
The Future of Solar Cars
Even though there are several disadvantages to overcome, there are several companies that have developed working and efficient designs like for example Aptera Motors, a California company which made a three-wheel solar vehicle covered in 34 square feet of solar cells. This Batmobile-looking car is claimed to be so efficient, that on a clear day, it can drive up to 40 miles. Another example is the Lightyear One, an efficient solar vehicle with 5 square meters of solar panels.
Even though they are in the early stages of their development, solar cars offer real promise and a new way of transportation, free from the health and environmental issues associated with the traditional ways of transportation. The models mentioned before are promising, and it may not be long before a car like these passes you on the street.
