Vehicles Using Solar Power

Posted: Sep 27, 2009 |Comments: 0 |

As you are aware, the majority of the vehicles on the road use gas or other alternatives to fuel them. Right now, we are experiencing and being introduced to different alternatives to power vehicles. We are being introduced to rivals -- natural gasses and propane. A good example is the solar vehicle -- which is an electric vehicle that is powered by some type of renewable energy through solar energy -- that comes from solar panels placed on the surface of a vehicle ,especially the roof. 

The sun’s energy is converted into electrical energy by photovoltaic (PV) cells. Unbelievably, It takes hundreds of photovoltaic cells to produce a one-half volt of electricity to be able to convert the sunlight into electricity.  Vehicles that use solar power are not your ordinary, practical transportation vehicles that you see on a day to day basis. Vehicles that use solar energy are primarily for demonstration purposes, as well as for engineering exercises that are, in most cases, sponsored by government agencies. The sun is the sole source of solar energy. Nuclear fusion is the process where heat and light are produced from the sun. Even though not many vehicles are currently using solar energy, the future looks very exciting. 

The sun’s energy can be used to cool and heat buildings, operate communication and navigation systems, as well as generate electricity. How cool is that? The sun’s energy is retained by solar panels that are commonly placed on top of vehicles to power the vehicle, as well as charge the batteries that can be later be used when the sun is not available -- kind of like when it goes behind a cloud. As soon as the sun arises, the batteries are then recharged to maintain their performance.  A majority of cars are designed to put all the sun energy towards driving, thereby, keeping nothing in reserve. Without reserve power, the car will stop completely -- in the case of long cloud periods when driving. 

Energy is always placed towards driving. If it was put towards just keeping the battery charged, it would take quite a toll on the engine -- then the engine would eventually stall. There are  a lot of questions that still need to be answered by the engineers, as well as the scientists involved, in this technology before it becomes an economical -- as well as an efficient way to fuel different vehicles. This technology is good for those who are not happy with the rapidly rising prices of gas that continuing hamper the environment. 

It is a common thing nowadays to hear about gas prices going up by high percentages, as well as the scarcity of the commodity in many stations. Solar vehicles would then be the best alternative to gas or propane powered vehicles. Solar power is also known to be pollution free as well as inexhaustible. If enough research is done in the coming few years, and considering the many debacles that have come to be associated with solar power, it may replace the combustion cars that people are using at the moment.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/vehicles-using-solar-power-1273957.html

    Article Tags:

    vehicles using solar power

    We are probably a long ways from having a fully solar powered car. But solar enhanced automobiles emphatically have a place in the near future. For instance, Toyota's Prius optionally comes with a solar panel that is powered solely on it's own solar based power. You know how when you leave you car too long in the sun on a hot sunny day how hot the interior is when you first sit down?

    By: John Kuzniarl Automotive> Carsl Apr 06, 2010

    Not too long ago, people scoffed at the idea of using solar power panels to provide your home with electricity. This idea was classified as fiction and only exists in movies. Yet there were a few people who relentlessly worked on making this a reality, believing we can all use solar energy to supply our energy needs. Their efforts paid off...

    By: John Greenspanl Home and Familyl Feb 18, 2010

    There is so much talk of green and clean energy these days, most people have at least thought about how they can use solar in their lives. The problem is that with a tough economy and bleak jobs market, most people just don't have the money to invest in solar.

    By: kriss bergethonl Home Improvement> DIYl Sep 06, 2010
    George Zeed

    Before you plan a new adventure under the sun, learn how solar energy can enhance your fun, while eliminating frustrating problems.

    By: George Zeedl Travel> Campingl Mar 26, 2012

    Travelling by RV needn't be the petrol hogging stereotype you think. One of the ways you can increase your sustainability on the road is by converting a proportion of your power to solar.

    By: Inger Fountainl Travel> Campingl Jan 28, 2010
    March Summers

    International vehicle transports service providers offer facilities for shipping you vehicle across to the new country. These vehicle transport companies have the legal authority, the right infrastructure and a wide network to carry out their operations.

    By: March Summersl Automotivel May 28, 2012

    Donaldson Company, Inc. is one of the world's premier supplies of a wide variety of filtration systems and the replacement parts to go with each system. The company has a long-standing tradition of providing excellent customer service and first-rate products. Founded in 1915, Donaldson continues to develop new products to meet their customers filtration needs. They accomplish this through dedicated research and development.

    By: HertaFink26l Automotivel May 26, 2012

    Cars for sale by owner has been a growing niche in the automotive industry today. Different automobiles are being sold by various car owners, and are not limited to some common brands.

    By: Brian Bartlettl Automotivel May 26, 2012

    Through pre owned car sales, consumers enjoy more benefits and options than they would purchasing a new vehicle.

    By: HertaFink26l Automotivel May 26, 2012

    Car is an asset while selecting the best asset is always wise. And so for the folks who wants the very first its time to get the GMC.

    By: Sia Susanl Automotivel May 26, 2012

    Ok, you have a teenager that just got his or her driver's license and instead of offering the use of the family car, you decided to share the expense of purchasing the first time vehicle and yet still, you would like to give a cool car accessory would really bring a bigger smile to the face of your teen.

    By: Levi Quinnl Home and Familyl Apr 09, 2010

    If you like hopping in a car, hitting the open road and traveling to nearby destinations, there are few starting points better than Phoenix. This city is a gateway to adventure. Whether you are crazy about the outdoors, want to take in some culture or are more into unusual attractions, you can find plenty to do within a few hours of this Arizona metropolis.

    By: Levi Quinnl Travell Apr 08, 2010 lViews: 171

    If there is one thing most cats hate almost as much as water, it is traveling in a car. If you find it necessary to take your feline companion on the road, there are some tips and tricks that can make the trek easier on both of you. With a little planning, you can have an enjoyable experience and both arrive no worse for the wear.

    By: Levi Quinnl Home and Familyl Apr 08, 2010

    If you are a cellular phone user and most importantly, frequently on the go, a hands free phone accessory for your car is a valuable investment. There are many styles to choose from.

    By: Levi Quinnl Automotivel Apr 08, 2010

    If you plan on tooling around a foreign country in a rental car, chances are you might find yourself needing an International Drivers Permit. This is a special document that works in conjunction with your standard license to give you rights to operate a vehicle in a country other than America.

    By: Levi Quinnl Travell Mar 28, 2010

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast