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Solar panels on car roofs are apt for cars that run on electric power generated from solar energy. Public Domain
The efforts to tap the renewable sources of energy to meet our energy needs have invariably led us to explore the economical usage of solar power. We need solar panels which are built of affordable material. These materials should also be available by the plenty. In addition, the installation costs should also turn out to be minimal to enable long term profitability over the initial investments made by you.
Solar panels on car roofs are apt for cars that run on electric power generated from solar energy. The same works for hybrid cars as well. A concept car sunroof by Philips and BASF, an organization active in the chemicals domain experiments with OLED in combination with solar panels.
This can serve as a small venture to act as a stepping stone for more to come based on this success considering we cannot yet afford the hybrid vehicles because of higher initial investments or the cost of replacement kit.
The concept
The combined effort of two organizations, one active in the electric gadgets domain and the other in the chemicals domain has given shape to the OLED automotive topper with solar panels on the roof of a car. A transparent roof with solar panels gets charged by the day. As it gets dark, the roof turns opaque and the energy accumulated through the charging of the solar cells powers the LED lights that jazz up the interiors.
The design of the roof and the dazzling appeal of the lights in dark create a good cumulative effect. You may use this as a base for an open air get together with your favorite music playing in the background.
The good
Solar panels are expensive to build and install. The experiment showcases that aesthetic appeal can still be maintained and the structure need not be compromised with in a bid to cover maximum surface area under the solar panels. A large coverage in terms of surface area allows for energy generation to power the engine or the other gadgetry as the need arises.
The bad
The need for power in cars is not so much for lighting as it is for powering the engine on a bigger scale or perhaps other systems in the car that require power. Small scale production of power is a welcome step but further movement will undoubtedly be full of challenges. Experiments will be of little effect if these cannot be scaled up for uses that require more power.
Future prospects for us
The use of inexpensive materials for generation of energy from solar power holds the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy. This fact has been known for long. The need of the hour is a methodology that enables the same. Successful experiments that can be scaled up will perhaps bring about the change. We will then perhaps be able to not only charge our gadgets by utilizing solar power but will also be able to afford the technology in solar cars.
Research is underway to work out better methodologies for generation of power through solar energy.
If inexpensive materials find use in solar panels, a gamut of opportunities will open up for use of solar power as a primary source of energy. The placement and use of solar panels on car roofs is also under research to enable the best possible results while ensuring that the basic structure of the car does not need any major tweaks. Simple experiments like this will only help to move ahead towards a bigger cause.
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