Solar Panel Buses Essay
The article “Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels” (Kok, 2021). Go-Ahead Singapore launched public buses with ultra-thin solar panels for a 6-month trial. The solar panels are bendable, shatterproof, and have a thickness of 1.6mm. "They were installed on the roof of two Man A22 Euro 6 diesel-powered buses". Kok stated that the solar panel can produce a total of 1000 watts of electricity and weigh less than 20kg, the generated electricity can charge the bus battery and supply to the bus system when the engine is off. The vehicle’s alternator and bus engine workload are reduced due to this generated power. These solar panels also help to save 1400 liters of diesel and reduce 3.7 tonnes of carbon emission each bus per year, the data are based on a similar trial that was conducted in 2019, Southampton in the United Kingdom. Kok assured that rigorous safety assessments have been done to obtain approval by the Land Transport Authority, which is supporting the initiative by Go-Ahead Singapore. The success of such pilot trials will be a game-changer to pave the way to public transport sustainability.
In my opinion, solar panel buses prove to be sustainable for long-term usage, as the trial of this research result is supportive. Solar panel buses reduce fuel usage from the vehicle's alternator that supplies the battery, this also reduces carbon emission by using less fuel. Which is a win-win situation for the company and Singapore’s environment.
The sustainability of solar energy and its growth, have opportunities in future research (Srivastava, 2019). Solar power has been compared with various power generation options, proving to be a better choice for cost-effectiveness and life expectancy. In addition, sunlights cover most of the earth's surface and are easily accessible for everyone, solar energy helps to fight climate change by reducing carbon emissions, and clean energy is the focus towards the future.
The solar panels' buses will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emission. A trial by Kupers Touringcars installed the solar panels on their Flixbus-liveried VDL FDD2 double-decker led to a reduction of 7% of fuel consumption (Deakin, 2020). The trial also extended the battery life of the buses by using solar panels, not only does it reduce the workload from the engine and alternator but it helps to extend its life span. Deakin mentioned that solar panels also supply energy to equipment such as lighting, WiFi, USB charging points, and more devices in the future.
As solar panels vehicles are getting more sustainable, automakers are creating solar-powered vehicles that integrate solar panels in the cars (Weber, 2021). Electric and hybrid vehicles are getting more popular, this makes solar panels more efficient than before. Electric vehicles can recharge up to 40% faster than those without solar panels, and "stored solar energy in the batteries enables them to run smoothly at night or in the absence of direct sunlight". Weber stated that Hyundai solar panels can charge 30% to 60% of the battery per day and increase the vehicle’s travel distance by an extra 1,300 kilometers annually. Some startup automaker companies are jumping on the solar car bandwagon.
However, even with all the advantages, fully solar-powered vehicles still have downsides and need further development for this technology to mature (Zientara, 2022). How many solar panels are needed to charge an electric car, Zientara stated a Nissan Leaf needed a total of 3.44 kilowatts of solar power to drive for 50 miles and the best home solar panels make around 345 watts under full sunlight. This is equivalent to 10 home solar panels to make enough solar energy to power the Nissan Leaf for 50 mils. With this calculation, 250 square feet of solar panels are ideal to make that much energy. That is why fully solar-powered vehicles aren't practical and the head of Tesla, Elon Musk mentioned that "a car is the least efficient place to put solar”.
In conclusion, solar panels help to save some fuel usage on the buses and less carbon emission to the environment. As of now, solar panels buses are still not mature in technology and require further improvement. Solar panel buses still have their place in the future, as Singapore is building a self-sustaining city.
References
Deakin, T. (2020). Solar panels for coach and bus: What are the benefits?
Solar panels for coach and bus: What are the benefits? - routeone (route-one.net)
Kok, Y. (2021). Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels.
Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels | The Straits Times
Srivastava, R.K (2019). Sustainability perspectives- a review for solar photovoltaic trends and growth opportunities.
Weber, A. (2021). Automakers Are Developing Solar-Powered Vehicles.
Automakers Are Developing Solar-Powered Vehicles | 2021-05-02 | ASSEMBLY (assemblymag.com)
Zientara, B. (2022). Solar panel car roofs: are they a good idea?
Solar Panel Car Roofs: Are They a Good Idea? (solarreviews.com)
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