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WHY DON’T ELECTRIC CARS HAVE SOLAR PANELS ON THE ROOF?
SolarHub ^ | 05/14/2021 | unknown

Posted on 05/14/2021 3:21:30 AM PDT by sodpoodle

Every year, more people in the United States purchase electric vehicles. While electric vehicles can be charged at home or at many charging locations, many people wonder why these electric cars don’t have solar panels. The following guide explores some of the main reasons that electric vehicles don’t have solar panels on the roof.

Solar panels work by converting energy from the sun into electric power. Modern solar panels are very efficient, with many capable of turning more than 60 percent of the sun’s power into electricity. However, they still have some significant limitations.

On average, a 10 square foot solar panel can generate approximately 50 watts with direct sunlight. This is the equivalent of a single lightbulb. Since most cars only have 10 to 25 square feet of space on their roof, the maximum amount of power they can generate is 50 to 150 watts.

(Excerpt) Read more at solyndra.com ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Science; Travel
KEYWORDS: automotive; technology
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I thought I had a genius idea, but decided to research it. Found this.
1 posted on 05/14/2021 3:21:30 AM PDT by sodpoodle
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To: sodpoodle

Because they don’t generate enough power. You would have to leave your car out in the sun for a day in order to drive 10 miles.


2 posted on 05/14/2021 3:23:36 AM PDT by Vermont Lt (. )
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To: sodpoodle

Toyota did it on a few Prius models...ran a ventilation fan in hot weather to keep the inside of the car cooler.


3 posted on 05/14/2021 3:25:19 AM PDT by Drago
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To: sodpoodle

4 posted on 05/14/2021 3:25:34 AM PDT by COBOL2Java (The avg 911 response time is 23 mins; the response time of a .357 is 1400 ft/sec)
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To: sodpoodle

https://www.techradar.com/news/hyundais-new-electric-car-has-a-solar-panel-roof-and-the-ability-to-charge-other-evs#:~:text=Car%20Tech-,Hyundai‘s%20new%20electric%20car%20has%20a%20solar,and%20can%20charge%20other%20EVs&text=The%20Hyundai%20Ioniq%205%20has,solar%20panels%20on%20its%20roof.


5 posted on 05/14/2021 3:25:37 AM PDT by Sacajaweau
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To: sodpoodle

Why doesn’t Jao Biden wear a beanie cap with a spinner on it to get around instead of AF1?


6 posted on 05/14/2021 3:26:34 AM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: sodpoodle
Solar power? Meh. Just wait until my idea caches on. I bet I’ll even get a ‘Thank You’ note from Al Gore.


7 posted on 05/14/2021 3:28:31 AM PDT by Leaning Right (I have already previewed or do not wish to preview this composition.)
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To: Vermont Lt

There is one application where they do work, and I’ve seen them.

Golf “cars” used on military bases and industrial properties where maintenance people need to drive out a few miles at most, then park for a few hours while working on something.

The golf “car” is big enough to carry the tools, and the entire top is covered with a “surry” kind of roof from front to back that’s covered in panels.

It’s still probably cheaper just to run a gas engine, or return the golf “car” to a 12V charger, but I have seen these panel covered carts around.


8 posted on 05/14/2021 3:28:49 AM PDT by Travis McGee (EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com)
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To: sodpoodle
Car roofs are for snow.


9 posted on 05/14/2021 3:30:08 AM PDT by McGruff
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To: Drago

“...ran a ventilation fan in hot weather to keep the inside of the car cooler.”

Going back to the past B4 AC...hand crank all the windows down and go 60 mph...and the hand choke inside...you know...the thing.


10 posted on 05/14/2021 3:31:19 AM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: sodpoodle

Solar panels on riding mowers might be a good idea though. Most people cut the grass when it’s warm and sunny.


11 posted on 05/14/2021 3:32:48 AM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: Travis McGee

Yup...that would work. But they are not nearly as heavy as a car. The weight of the car is the issue.

Consider the panels that power the space station—and they get pure sunshine most of the day. Some day when we can build stronger batteries, more efficient panels, and lighter materials we will have solar cars. But functional systems for the average person are probably decades away..


12 posted on 05/14/2021 3:33:31 AM PDT by Vermont Lt (. )
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To: PGalt

How about a Mr. Fusion power unit as used on the DeLorean in “Back to the Future II”? Should supply enough power to propel the vehicle up to 88 miles per hour....


13 posted on 05/14/2021 3:35:18 AM PDT by alloysteel ( Cows don't give milk. You have to work for it.)
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To: Leaning Right

“...‘Thank You’ note from Al Gore.”

Since he invented the internet, it might be an email.


14 posted on 05/14/2021 3:35:29 AM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: sodpoodle

Why don’t they have solar panels under the car?


15 posted on 05/14/2021 3:35:57 AM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: alloysteel

Flux capacitor


16 posted on 05/14/2021 3:35:57 AM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: sodpoodle

Two batteries. A generator charges one while the other is being used. Just a thought.


17 posted on 05/14/2021 3:37:25 AM PDT by Libloather (Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)
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To: sodpoodle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyMiUmrouZU


18 posted on 05/14/2021 3:38:03 AM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: sodpoodle

And hey... What about a wind generator on the hood?


19 posted on 05/14/2021 3:38:55 AM PDT by jerod (Nazi's were essentially Socialist in Hugo Boss uniforms... Get over it!)
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To: sodpoodle
Re: "Modern solar panels are very efficient, with many capable of turning more than 60 percent of the sun's power into electricity."

Hmmm...

Most commercial solar panels deliver less than 20% efficiency.

In fact, because of basic laws of physics, almost all current solar panels have a maximum efficiency that is less than 30%.

20 posted on 05/14/2021 3:39:21 AM PDT by zeestephen
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