Product Description Summary Draft #2

The article "All You Need to Know about Solar-Powered Cars" (2019, November 1) introduces the function of a solar panel and the pros when combined with cars. The article stated that "Many automobile companies are working towards making solar cars, and they are changing the automotive industry" (Vyas, 2019, para. 1). These solar cars "use photovoltaic cells to convert energy from sunlight into electricity" (Vyas, 2019, para. 2). The author further elaborates that the "photons of sunlight strike the photovoltaic cells and excite the electrons. This allows an electron flow that creates an electric current in the process. This electrical current is then used as a “fuel” to run the vehicle" (Vyas, 2019, para. 8). Such solar cars "can store some solar energy and can also run smoothly at night or in the absence of direct sunlight" (Vyas, 2019, para. 2). Few advantages that Vyas (2019) implied is that firstly, it does not cause ecological contamination as well as noise pollution. Secondly, it saves fuel costs, which is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Finally, apart from replacing the battery, no additional costs are required.

With these advantages, sunlight-based controlled vehicles stand out amongst its competitors in terms of the environmental benefits with regard to air quality and the cost efficiency it provides.

Solar cars outperform their competitors in terms of air quality benefits. According to the article "The Advantages of Solar Powered Vehicles" (2017, June 13), the author mentioned that sun-oriented cars have electrical engines, therefore, they "burn no fuel and produce no emissions" (Callahan, 2017, para. 2). Callahan also concluded that "This key aspect of solar-powered cars is of interest to motorists who wish to utilize personal transportation without contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gases in the environment" (Callahan, 2017, para. 2). Sunlight based controlled vehicles expend no fuel and do not need oil changes, “their dependence on petroleum-based products is limited to the lubrication of wheels or plastics used in replacement parts” (Callahan, 2017, para. 3).

Also, in contrast to oil-fueled vehicles, sunlight based does not "spew toxic chemicals into the atmosphere or add greenhouse gas emissions" (A&R Solar, n.d, IT'S CLEAN ENERGY). It diminishes the need to consume non-renewable energy sources which results in a drop in air contamination and greenhouse gases. These benefits are unique to solar cars and thus, propelling them to shine above their competitors in terms of the air quality benefits it can provide.

Solar cars also bring forth the cost benefits it provides. Sunlight, in which solar panels convert into power, is accessible and free to everybody during the day. On account of their absence of reliance on external fuel sources, "they are free from the fuel costs normally associated with gas, diesel, and even hybrid automobiles" (Callahan, 2017, para. 4). The author also commented that "Because solar-powered cars consume no fuel and do not require oil changes, their dependence on petroleum-based products is limited to the lubrication of wheels or plastics used in replacement parts" (Callahan, 2017, para. 3).

Furthermore, manufacturers of solar panels usually give a proposal of between 20 to 25 years of warranty (SolarPowerNerd, n.d). "The reason behind this is because there are no moving parts and with solar panels, there is no wear and tear" (SolarPowerNerd, n.d, Low Maintenance Costs, para. 6). Therefore, the electric engine and different parts of sun-oriented vehicles are potentially maintenance-free, as compared to the engines in current gas-fueled vehicles. In comparison to gas-powered vehicles, solar cars have the upper edge in terms of having zero fuel costs and low maintenance cost which constitute an overall cost-efficiency.

According to "All You Need to Know about Solar-Powered Cars" (2019, November 1), there are a couple of reasons why even the most progressive car organizations haven't had the option to develop a fully sun based controlled vehicles (Vyas, 2019). One reason the author implied is that “a highly-efficient 4 square meter PV panels can generate roughly 8 kWh of energy per day, it will only drive the car for about 25 miles (40 km)" (Vyas, 2019, para. 22). Additionally, bad weather conditions, improper situating of panels, and dirt would likely make the solar car struggle to arrive at this figure (Vyas, 2019). In my opinion, one way to overcome this challenge is to have a hybrid of an electric and solar function so that it gives flexibility and at the same time, maintaining its benefits of a solar car.

In conclusion, solar cars are beneficial to the environment in terms of maintaining the air quality at a healthy range, guarantees cost-efficiency in terms of non-existence fuel costs, and low maintenance fees. These advantages make solar cars prominent to their competitors. 

 

References

Vyas. (2019, November 1). All you need to know about Solar-Powered Cars. https://interestingengineering.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-solar-powered-cars

Callahan. (2017, June 13). The Advantages of Solar Powered Vehicles. https://www.sportsrec.com/134597-the-advantages-solar-powered-vehicles.html

10 Benefits And Disadvantages Of Solar Energy (n.d). Solar Power Nerd. https://solarpowernerd.com/benefits-of-solar-energy-cars/

Environmental Benefits Of Solar Energy (n.d). A&RSOLAR.  https://www.a-rsolar.com/learn/environmental-benefits-of-solar/

 


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