Solar Powered Cars

By. Bryce Stone

Environmental concerns are leading to new trends in the automotive market. Some of these changing trends are currently under study and being put into practice. Solar powered cars are not new ideas but the changing technology and evolution of the idea is. Solar power can be used for energy in many things and cars is just another of them. Though many people feel that solar power is a great solution for the current fossil fuel problems, there are disadvantages to using it. Like with any energy source, it will have both positive and negative points.

Currently, it is not all that simple for science to discover a way to effectively draw and use solar energy. Solar panels are often required, similar to the ones found on a calculator. However, it is not really all that realistic to line the outside of your car with solar panels. It is not efficient and most drivers would laugh at the idea. Switching away from fossil fuels should be easier than that if it is to appeal to drivers in mass amounts. If it is difficult then people will not be likely to make the switch.

Solar cars would also need to be fully equipped with special gauges that measure the amount of energy, how much is being consumed by the car and how much is remaining. Drivers would have to be able to understand these gauges and utilize them. It could be possible to have a solar powered car that does not have many gauges but that would require an entirely different set up. The solar cars that are currently in production have only three wheels which is not something that is going to be acceptable on the current cars of today.

Science is currently testing many types of solar powered cars by racing them. This is a great way to test the limits and functionality of using solar power. Solar powered bicycles are already being produced and used. Perhaps this is a better place to start since cars do not seem ready to become solar powered machines. Though it is a great idea, it is not yet ready for the North American public. Solar cars that are currently in production are very small and can usually only hold one person, which is the driver. This type of car would not be approved in the United States based on the current safety standards required.

It is quite obvious that one negative aspect of solar energy is being able to use it when the sun is not shining or during an overcast day. Many improvements need to be made for this to be a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Having solar cells on the vehicle will not be all that convenient for drivers either. Having a solar powered vehicle would be a great option if it was ready to be released in mass quantities. However, at this stage in the development it just is not a conceivable idea. Solar energy is a fantastic natural resource. With further study, hopefully it can soon be a realistic petroleum alternative.
Bryce Stone

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