Solar Power Cars

Solar power cars are an intriguing invention for sure. Simply put, they are cars that use the sun’s energy for fuel. They use solar panels to convert the sun’s energy into electric energy, which powers the electric motor in the car. The need for an alternative source of fuel and energy is one of the major reasons in is innovative car idea.

History

In the US, the concept of solar car started in the in the early 1980’s, about 30 years after the discovery of the photovoltaic cell, which is the main component of a solar power system, including solar cars.  In 1983 Hans Tholstrup and Larry Perkins showcased the first generation of solar powered cars when they opened up a solar car racing Perth to Sydney in Australia. The world’s first solar car traveled at an average speed of 23kph. It was about 16 feet long with boat like shape. Ever since, solar car races have been popular. Today, most solar cars have very modern and sleek design with speed ranging for 100 to 150kph. Many countries invest in solar cars as a way of showing off their environmental sensitivity.

Production

There are many companies that make sola powered cars, but many like to make them themselves. Designing and creating a solar powered car is an adventure. I will require hard work and dedication. As of today, building a solar car will roughly need around $12,000 to &$15,000 depending on the specification and choice of materials. Its also a good idea to work in a group, that way the work is easier and its more fun. For those who really wanted to save, it is advisable to buy secondhand materials and to canvas for the lowest price before purchasing. Another reason why having a group is encouraged because of the tools and space needed to create the project.

Components

  • Solar Array and Power Trackers

These compose of an array of solar cells created individually considering that prefabricated solar panels are heavier. Individual cells generate .5 volt at about 3 amps at maximum sunlight exposure.

  • Batteries

The batteries serve as storage for the solar energy from the sun, which will later on be use as electrical energy to run the motor. Most people prefer to use lead-acid type of battery because it is the most affordable and readily available in the market. Other types of battery that are used are lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium.

The weight of the battery contributes much to the weight of the vehicle, which directly affects performance and speed.

  • Motor & Controller

The most common type of motor use is a DC permanent magnet motor because it is inexpensive and easy to hookup. Some with enough financial support prefer to go with the brushless motors to achieve 94-99% efficiency. The motor should be more than 5Hp and you need to check with the dealer or manufacturer for the compatible motor controller. Controller is a device that will drive the motor.

  • Instrumentation

Instrumentation is very important to monitor the overall performance of the vehicle. Solar car uses state-of-charge meter to make sure that the driver is aware about system status such as voltage, amp draw, and the remaining energy. There are also some additional instrument such as speedometers and thermometers but it is already up to the manufacturer.

  • Others

Other things to that need to be consider are Steering & Suspension, Brakes, Tires & Hubs

Advantages and Disadvantages

Solar powered cars are obviously pollution free vehicles. Aside from being environment friendly, it also reduces the demand for fossil fuels and keeps them available for other purposes. Solar power cars can produce maximum rated power at any speed. Now, there are also some disadvantages to having a solar powered car. It can’t match the power and speed of a fossil fuel powered engine. Its sole energy source is the sun, which means that it can only be use on regions with abundant supply of sunlight. And because of the weather dependency of this technology many people are hesitating to invest in solar cars. That is the reason why it is still not as popular as vehicles powered by fossil fuel. Speed and passenger capacity are also affected because of the weights of its battery and solar plates.