What Are Solar Powered Cars?

Solar powered cars are electric vehicles which are powered by solar energy that is obtained from solar panels on the surface of the car. Basically, photovoltaic cells then convert the sun’s energy directly into electrical energy. Solar powered cars are can operate for limited distances without the sun, but they are still not considered as a practical form of transportation.

Solar powered cars were first built by universities and manufacturers, and development continues on solar cell design and car power supply requirements such as heater or air-conditioning fans.

The solar array on solar powered cars consists of hundreds of photovoltaic cells converting sunlight into electricity. Cars, unlike many other objects that use solar energy, can use a variety of solar cell technologies, which most often involves polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, and gallium arsenide. Solar cars usually have incredibly distinctive shapes, as designers aim to minimize drag, maximize the exposure to the sun, minimize weight and still make the vehicles as safe as possible.

The Advantages And Disadvantages

There are both advantages and disadvantages to solar cars, and all of these should be taken carefully and thoughtfully into consideration. Some of the advantages include, for one, that of safety and convenience, for instance there are batteries available on most solar cars which store electrical energy that is to be used later by the electric motor when the demand for electric power exceeds that of the output of the onboard generating device.

There is also the advantage involving efficiency, which relates to the fact that all solar cars are able to produce their full rated power at any speed, unlike that of regular automobiles. Another prime advantage of solar cars is that they are positive in regards to the economy. This is because an electric motor and an electric generator are the same device, basically, and electrical current is fed into such a device, causing it to act as a motor and, thus, creates mechanical power.

There are certain disadvantages, too, such as, most of the solar cars available do not have the power or speed of many of the regularly available cars and vehicles and, as well, the battery on the solar car may have to be used far too frequently depending on the weather, for instance if it is dark out for several days, you will have to rely on the battery of the car in order to make it work. This can seem as a hassle to many people, which is a large explanation towards why solar cars still aren’t that popular today.

Expert sailors insist that boats should be equipped with as much solar backup power as possible. There is no other power source, at present, which can give you electricity better or more conveniently. All you will need is to make a one-time investment in the installation of the solar panels on the boat. Then, you will have a perennial source of electricity that needs no maintenance, nor imposes any recurring costs.

The Advantages Of Having A Solar Power Boat

The solar power boat is indeed the best that we can have today. Just think, this is a boat which can produce its own electricity, have no bills for producing or using it and it can last forever. The solar panels available today come with a guarantee for 25 years, which is a conservative estimate of their life. In reality, the panels can last double the time or more.

A solar power boat can be the answer to all those sailors who want to be free of any ‘tie-ups’ to the world while sailing. You can do without gasoline, petrol or generators and still have all that you need in terms of electricity on your board. The best part is that the solar panels, once installed, will be working for you for a lifetime. This makes for a very wise investment.

Another great advantage of having a solar power boat is that you will never need to ration the use of electricity again when you are at sea. With the solar power boat you can produce as much electricity as you will need, so you will not have to bother about how much electricity you are using or worry whether it would last you during the trip or not.

One thing you will need to ensure is that your solar panels can convert as much electricity as it is required for you to be comfortable on your boat. Many complain of lack of space for installing adequate solar paneling, for which they have to complement the solar power with conventional sources of electricity.

There are many types of solar panels being manufactured today, specially keeping in mind this problem. Though the solar panels are today smaller and more powerful than they ever were, this problem is still not fully addressed. The day there will be an adequate design for the solar paneling, will be the day when people can enjoy totally free of worry trips to any destination, without having to worry about how long will their generator last.

Examples of solar energy photovoltaic (PV) grid connect systems installed in Australia.

I had this calculator www.bookstore.umn.edu/images/system/product/9790.jpg but the screen cracked so i took it apart. I found two things useful one was this battery www.7dayshop.com/catalog/images/products/prod_6897.jpg n the i took out the solar panel. Now i have this LED which worked when i connected it to teh battery but when i connected it to the solar panel it didnt light up.. Any help in y this happened n waht i can do to make it work???

My wife and l are currently building a house in the Leyte area and have though of insulting solar panels as an alternative power source.
Does anyone know where we can get information about installing solar panels on a house in the Philippines? Is their a government grant or initiative for using solar power for domestic use? Does anyone know of costs of panels?
Any information regarding the use solar panels for domestic use within the Philippines will be grateful.