Solar Powered Cars

Sunlight is an excellent energy source and the future of using solar power is very promising. The Sun's energy can be used to heat and cool buildings, produce electricity, operate communication and navigation systems and even power solar cars.

A solar car is a light weight, low power vehicle designed only for racing purpose. Solar cars are powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the surface of the car. Photovoltaic cells convert the energy of the sun into electrical energy.

Solar cars do not present a practical way of transportation; nowadays they are mostly demonstration vehicles and engineering exercises. They have restricted seating (as a rule one, sometimes two people), they have very little load capacity, and they can only be driven during the day. Unlike typical race cars, solar cars are designed with severe energy constraints imposed by the race regulations.

However, solar powered cars do offer a perfect opportunity to develop future technologies that can be applied to practical applications. Developing a high performance solar car requires a great deal of work, time, and money.

Solar cars were first built by universities and manufacturers. The sun energy collector areas appeared to be too large for consumer cars, but that is changing. Solar cell design and car power supply requirements such as heater or air-conditioning fans continue being developed.

Solar Car Races

Solar cars compete in races such as the World Solar Challenge and the American Solar Challenge. These actions are often sponsored by government agencies, which are enthusiastic to encourage the development of alternative energy technology.

Such events are often attended by universities to develop their students' engineering and technological skills. Many professional teams have entered competitions as well, including teams from GM and Honda. Solar cars combine technology typically used in the aerospace, bicycle, alternative energy and automotive industries.

There are a lot of teams, especially student ones, that are keen on designing and constructing solar vehicles. They aim to represent their schools and universities at international solar vehicle competitions.

In fact, experts say solar cars won't be viable for many years to come, if ever. But the cars and races show recent progress in technology and demonstrate the promise of solar energy in other uses.