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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