The transportation sector is responsible for approximately 2% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it is expected that in the next few years, transportation emissions will account for almost 70% of the world’s emissions. This is mainly because of the continuous rise in fuel prices and the increased use of electric vehicles. If we are to reduce our contribution to climate change, then it is essential that we find innovative ways of powering our vehicles.
One of the best solutions would be to rely on renewable energy. Solar power is a clean and reliable source of energy, which is available everywhere and does not require a continuous purchase. Despite its undeniable benefits, relying on solar power for transportation is not yet common practice. This article will shed light on the various challenges that stand in the way of fully implementing solar power for transportation.
Challenges Facing Transportation Networks
One of the major impediments towards the widespread adoption of solar power for transportation is the lack of available infrastructure. To utilize solar power for transportation, you will firstly need to install photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are essentially small solar panels, on your vehicles. The installation of these modules can be rather challenging. It requires specialized equipment and specific training. Furthermore, there is always the possibility that you might make a mistake and damage your vehicle in the process.
The good news is that this process is becoming easier and more affordable. Thanks to companies like Solar Electric Team (SET) and SunRun who are providing free and expert installation for those looking to implement solar power for transportation. With the right tools and knowledge, anyone can confidently perform an installation.
Challenges Facing Power Plants
Even if you manage to secure the necessary equipment and training to install solar power on your vehicle, you will still face a substantial challenge when it comes to generating clean energy. The truth is that current power plants are neither green nor clean, and they require a lot of space. To put it simply, to power a single automobile with solar energy, you will need a substantial solar farm!
Fortunately, this is not the case, and thanks to companies like Heliomag who are leading the way with innovative solutions for generating clean and green energy. This German manufacturer is revolutionizing the energy market by creating portable and compact power plants that can be used anywhere and at anytime. If you are interested, you can find out more information by visiting their website or by contacting them directly.
Battery Storage
To power electric vehicles using solar energy, you will also need to consider buying rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are expensive, and you will need a lot of them to make the system efficient. If you have limited storage, then you will need to purchase additional batteries to power your EV during off-peak hours. This is expensive and is certainly a detractor from the initial investment in an EV. You will also need to bear in mind that to top up the batteries, you will need to find a place to plug in and charge them. This might be difficult if you travel a lot for work, and it can also be somewhat dangerous if you forget to plug it in when you are abroad.
Thanks to companies like Better Power Corp who are developing innovative ways of storing electricity and converting it to useable energy when needed. They have developed the Mini-Monolith Battery, which is a miniature version of their original storage unit. The Mini-Monolith Battery, which stores only a few hundred watts of power, can be fully charged in only a few hours. This makes it perfect for use in situations where you need energy quickly and don’t have the luxury of wasting time charging up your batteries overnight.
Limited Acceptance
If you are planning to buy or lease a brand new vehicle to use with the Solar Roadtrip project, then you will need to consider whether or not your chosen vehicle is going to be accepted by the public. Not all cars are created equal, and some people might find it difficult to accept the fact that you are driving around in a solar-powered vehicle. Furthermore, not all car manufacturers are created equal, and some might not be compatible with alternative fuel sources.
As an organization committed to renewable energy, you will have to find a way of working with the auto industry to ensure that your chosen vehicles are accepted by the public. The best way of doing this would be to purchase pre-leased vehicles or used cars that have been modified to operate on solar power. The auto industry is evolving, and traditional vehicles are becoming more and more hybrid. This makes them more fuel-efficient and in turn, reduces our dependence on fossil fuels. If you can find a good used or pre-leased vehicle that is in good condition and isn’t too expensive, then this is the perfect solution for transitioning to a more green and eco-friendly energy source. Always choose a mechanics who is well-versed in working with alternative fuel sources.
Cost
The cost of generating electricity using solar power is nothing compared to the cost of purchasing oil. Furthermore, the cost of installing solar power is decreasing rapidly as technology advances and more companies enter the market. The cost of electricity generated by solar power will continue to decrease, which makes it a more viable option for generating electricity.
In addition to this, owning a solar-powered car does not require you to buy any additional equipment. You will not need to buy batteries or an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) of the solar panel into alternating current (AC). Furthermore, you will not need any additional equipment to run your vehicle on solar power. All you will need is the panels themselves and a way of connecting them to your vehicle’s battery.
The cost of owning a solar-powered vehicle is certainly cheaper than buying oil or renting a gasoline-powered car. However, this is only relevant if you can generate more electricity than you need. To put it simply, if your car’s engine consumes more fuel than it produces, then owning a solar-powered vehicle is not the answer. You will not be able to save any money in this case, and you will be wasting energy. This is one of the primary reasons why most people are not yet utilizing solar power for transportation.
Mobility
This is a broad term that relates to the capability of a vehicle to move from one place to another. Solar power is inexhaustible, and it does not require any sort of continuous purchase to operate. This makes it ideal for those who want to reduce their environmental impact and are looking for an affordable and reliable source of energy. Furthermore, if your vehicle is mobile, then it can serve as a portable power plant, making it even more convenient for those who need clean and green energy on the go.
There is no denying that solar power is the perfect solution for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to climate change. It is clean and efficient, and it does not require any sort of continuous purchase to operate. This makes it the perfect choice for those who want to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. It is also the perfect choice for automobile manufacturers who want to reduce their dependence on oil and become more eco-friendly.
If you can put up with the limitations of solar power, then it is the perfect solution for anyone who is looking to power their vehicle. This is because it does not require any additional equipment or buy any new vehicles to operate. Furthermore, it requires very little to no maintenance and is fully scalable.
Final Takeaway
If you are looking for a clean and eco-friendly way of powering your vehicle, then consider all options before making a decision. This includes conventional gas stations, buying new cars, & leasing them, and relying on battery storage. If you cannot afford all of these, then solar power might be the next best thing. It does not require any additional vehicles to operate, and it is fully scalable.