Research—Snowman

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Snowman10

Harnessing the Sun: The Rise of Solar-Powered Transportation.

Solar-powered transportation, once considered a futuristic concept, is now at the forefront of discussions surrounding sustainable mobility. As awareness of climate change and the need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels grows, solar energy is emerging as a viable alternative for driving cars. However, the viability and practicality of incorporating solar panels into transportation remain subjects of debate. This essay draws from various sources and professional opinions to examine the benefits, drawbacks, and potential applications of solar-powered transportation in the future.

Although solar-powered vehicles have great potential to lower carbon emissions and lessen reliance on fossil fuels, there are still many obstacles to overcome. We can learn more about the viability and possible effects of solar panels on vehicles in the future of transportation by analyzing their benefits and drawbacks.

Solar panels on vehicles offer several advantages, as highlighted by various experts. For instance, K. Miller, in his article on electric cars, emphasizes that solar panels have the potential to extend the range of electric vehicles, thereby reducing “range anxiety” and operating costs. “If EVs can generate enough energy to charge their high-voltage batteries, it will decrease ‘range anxiety,’ overall operating costs, smog, and the strain on the power grid,” Miller states. Additionally, they can help in reducing smog and easing the strain on the power grid. This is echoed by Bob Lacivita, who points out that solar panels, in conjunction with regenerative braking, can add thousands of “free” miles per year to an electric vehicle’s range. “Depending on driving habits and weather conditions, solar panels in conjunction with regenerative braking have the potential to add thousands of ‘free’ miles per year,” he notes. Moreover, the development of solar charging stations, as noted by Kevin Clemens, facilitates the use of renewable energy, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Despite their potential benefits, solar panels in transportation also face significant drawbacks. One major limitation, as pointed out by William Roberson, is the lack of sufficient space on vehicles to accommodate large solar collection systems. “Without getting into the technical nitty-gritty, there just isn’t enough space for a large enough solar collection system (often called an ‘array’) on top of cars to make a meaningful contribution to the charging needs of the battery,” Roberson argues. This results in an inability to generate enough power to fully charge the vehicle. Additionally, John McCann highlights the cost factor, mentioning that solar panels are not standard in most electric vehicles and may not fully recharge the battery. “Unfortunately, it’s not available as standard, and right now we don’t know how much this optional extra will set you back,” McCann states. Moreover, maintaining and cleaning the panels for maximum efficiency, as discussed by a solar advisor, adds to the challenges of widespread adoption. “Even covering an entire electric car with solar panels won’t generate enough power to power a vehicle,” the advisor emphasizes. “Think of it like trying to fill a bathtub with a teaspoon.”

Future of Solar-Powered Transportation Despite the current limitations, the future of solar-powered transportation appears promising. With advancements in technology and increased awareness of environmental issues, the demand for sustainable mobility solutions is growing. Olivia Bolt predicts a significant expansion in the solar vehicle market, with the worldwide market expected to reach approximately 107,380 units by 2030. “By 2030, the worldwide market for solar vehicles is expected to reach approximately 107,380 units,” Bolt states. Moreover, innovative concepts like solar roadways, as discussed by Hediu, demonstrate the potential of solar technology in revolutionizing transportation infrastructure. “Solar used in the construction of roads generates energy,” Hediu explains. “These road tiles contain cells, LED lights, a heating element, and wireless communication capabilities.”

Hans, in his article on sustainable transportation, discusses the role of solar energy in promoting clean mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Solar energy applications in transportation can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,” Hans states.

Hilton, in his article on solar vehicles, highlights the future growth of the solar vehicle market and the integration of solar panels into electric cars. “A car running completely on solar energy is still a pipeline dream, but rooftop panels are now being featured on cars like Hyundai’s Sonata and Mercedes’s Vision EQX,” Hilton notes.

In conclusion, while there are many benefits to solar-powered transportation, such as lower emissions and operating costs, there are also many drawbacks, such as financial and spatial restrictions. But with continued research and development, as well as rising customer demand for environmentally friendly options, solar-powered vehicles appear to have a bright future. Achieving a more environmentally friendly and effective transportation system can be accomplished by addressing these issues and fully utilizing solar energy.

References

Bolt, O. (2024b, February 5). Top 9 Electric Vehicles with Solar Roof. Energy Theory. https://energytheory.com/solar-panel-on-electric-car-roof/

Clemens, K. (2023c, October 31). The reality of Solar-Powered cars. Tech Insights. https://eepower.com/tech-insights/the-reality-of-solar-powered-cars/#

Hans. (2024c, February 13). Solar energy and Sustainable Transportation: Promoting Clean Mobility – ManagEnergy.tv. ManagEnergy.tv. https://managenergy.tv/solar-energy-and-sustainable-transportation-promoting-clean-mobility/

Hediu. (2021c, December 27). Top 10 different types of solar transportation technologies. Solar Power Nerd. https://solarpowernerd.com/solar-transportation-technologies/

Hilton, J. (2024b, April 9). Your 2024 guide to solar panels for car roofs – solarpowersystems.org. solarpowersystems.org. https://solarpowersystems.org/blog/cars-with-solar-panels-specifics-and-future-potential/

Lacivita, B. (2023b, July 17). How electric cars with solar panels are changing the game. Family Handyman. https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/electric-car-with-solar-panels/

McCann, J. (2021, October 14). Hyundai’s new electric car has a solar panel roof and can charge other EVs. TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/news/hyundais-new-electric-car-has-a-solar-panel-roof-and-the-ability-to-charge-other-evs

Miller, K. (2023, June 3). Why Don’t Electric Cars Have Solar Panels on the Roof? Ava solar. https://avasolar.com/why-dont-electric-cars-have-solar-panels/

Solar advisor. (2023, April 9). Can I install solar panels on my car roof? | Solartec advisor. Solartec advisor. https://solartechadvisor.com/install-solar-panel-car-roof/#google_vignette

Roberson, W. (2024b, February 20). Why doesn’t every electric car have solar panels? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/billroberson/2022/11/30/why-doesnt-every-electric-car-have-solar-panels/?sh=b35b7d71ac62

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20 Responses to Research—Snowman

  1. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 17, 2024 at 11:23 am

    In contrast with traditional vehicles powered by gasoline and even conventional EVs, the pairing of solar power with EVs offers several requiring advantages. First off, solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs) can help cut greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependency on limited fossil fuel supplies. These cars provide a carbon-neutral transportation option that supports global efforts to reduce climate change by utilizing renewable solar energy (Brigham, 2022).

    Instead of ending your summary or citation with a parenthetical tag, as you have done above, you will incorporate the quote, or the summary of Brigham’s comments in the grammar of your own sentence. For Example:

    In contrast with traditional vehicles powered by gasoline and even conventional EVs, the pairing of solar power with EVs offers several requiring advantages. First off, solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs) can help cut greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependency on limited fossil fuel supplies. According to Brigham in “Why solar vehicles might be the next generation EVs,” these cars provide a carbon-neutral transportation option that supports global efforts to reduce climate change by utilizing renewable solar energy,

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  2. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 25, 2024 at 12:02 pm

    Snowman, we’ve had some difficulty getting together on citation techniques and the provenance of your sourced and cited material. I’ve asked you to adopt our “house style” of in-text citations that incorporate the name of your source’s article, or the author by name, in the grammar of your own sentences.

    I don’t see any sentence in which you’ve done that yet.

    I also don’t see a single quotation from any of your Referenced sources.

    I’ve chosen (Hans, 2024) at random from the list of sources, which I see occurs three times in your text as a parenthetical citation tag. I’ll follow the link you provided to Hans and compare what I find there with what appears in your material in the hope of narrowing down what credit you owe to Hans and how it should be credited in your text.

    That process begins here and now:

    Fundamentally, solar-powered transportation uses PV (photovoltaic) panels to absorb solar radiation and convert it into electrical power for vehicle power. Through the photovoltaic effect, solar panels—which are usually installed on the roof or body of the vehicle—absorb sunlight and produce electricity. This electricity serves as a clean and renewable energy source by either being directly used to power the vehicle’s electric motor or being stored in onboard batteries (Hans, 2024).

    There is plenty of available boiler-plate material available at Hans, and common also in any basic description of EVs. Here’s the bullet point that most closely provides background for your citation:

    Renewable energy source: Solar panels on the vehicle’s roof harness the power of the sun, providing a sustainable and renewable energy source that’s available almost everywhere.

    Your tag at the end of the paragraph does not make clear what in Hans provided you with what content.

    Your citation appears to be improper.

    The shifting availability of solar energy shows a further challenge and can have an effect on the vehicle’s performance in different kinds of weather. Changes in the total amount of sunshine recorded by the vehicle’s panels may result in shifts in power output, which can be attributed to clouds, shading, and the direction of sunlight (Hans, 2024). In order to address this problem, car manufacturers are looking into modern sensors and forecasting algorithms to maximize the intake and use of solar energy (Roberson, 2024).

    The only mention of clouds or shade in Hans is this bullet point:

    Battery storage solutions: One of the challenges of solar energy in transportation is the intermittent nature of sunlight. However, advancements in battery storage technology allow us to store excess energy generated during the day and use it during periods of low sunlight, ensuring a continuous power supply.

    Quoting Hans’s simple one-sentence claim would clarify that all you got from Hans was “shifting availability of solar energy” Oddly, you appear to be crediting Hans for the “clouds, shading, and direction of sunlight.”

    Your citation is at best very confusing.

    Several creative efforts across the world show the practicality of solar-powered movement. For instance, The Adventures of Light, a Dutch company, has created the Lightyear One, an electric vehicle (EV) that runs only on solar energy and has complex solar panels that can generate up to 12,000 kilometers of range annually (Brigham, 2022). Similar to this, German startup Sono Motors has introduced the Sion, an electric vehicle (EV) that runs on solar power and has built-in solar panels that can add up to 34 kilometers to its daily range (Hans, 2024).

    This one’s easier. There’s no mention at all in Hans of Sono Motors, the Sion, or anything measured in kilometers.

    This is a terrible waste of time, Snowman. Even the most generous interpretation of your citation technique indicates it’s sloppy beyond explanation.

    I’ll have to place grading of this post on hold until the citations clearly identify what your paper owes to its sources.

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  3. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 25, 2024 at 4:26 pm

    Stauffer, in “Policy Recommendations for Solar-Powered Transportation,” emphasizes that solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs) provide a clean, sustainable, and reliable mobility option for the future through using the sun’s high and renewable energy. 

    Who’s Stauffer?

    Neither Author nor Article appear in your Bibliography or your References list.

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  4. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 25, 2024 at 7:05 pm

    Kerr, in “Advancements in Battery Storage for Solar-Powered Vehicles,” notes that solar-powered vehicles may now store and use solar energy far better due to developments in batteries made with lithium-ion, which are widely used in EVs and have become smaller in energy and affordable. In addition, emerging technologies like solid-state batteries have the ability to boost energy storage efficiency and safety even further, opening the door for solar-powered EVs of the near future.

    Who’s Kerr?

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  5. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 25, 2024 at 7:12 pm

    According to Lacivita in “How Electric Cars with Solar Panels Are Changing the Game,” solar-powered vehicles may generate electricity on the travel, decreasing reliance on concentrated charging stations and improving accessibility in remote or off-grid areas, compared to traditional EVs that depend on outside charging facilities. In addition to raising the vehicle’s opposition to power delays and energy errors, this centralized generation of energy offers a more dependable means of transportation choice.

    Lacivita says no such thing. It’s not an unreasonable set of claims to have made, but it can’t be found at “How Electric Cars with Solar Panels Are Changing the Game,” and to be honest, Lacivita clearly didn’t write the headline. He’s not at all bullish on the panels “changing the game” any time soon.

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  6. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 25, 2024 at 7:34 pm

    In your text, you don’t cite Atasu (1), MIT News (8), Fortune (10), or Wells (11), but you list them in your References. I don’t see any of them in your Bibliography either.

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  7. Snowman10's avatar Snowman10 says:
    April 25, 2024 at 7:39 pm

    So sorry to disappoint you at every step. I’ll make sure to change and add the necessary things by tonight and update you again.

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  8. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 25, 2024 at 8:09 pm

    REFERENCES RECAP:

    All in all, it appears 5 of the sources in your References list for this paper appear in your Bibliography: Clemens / Hans / Hedi (hediu) / Lacivita / Roberson.

    In addition, Kerr and Brigham are cited.

    BIBLIOGRAPHY RECAP:

    I followed the links from your Bibliography where they led me and recorded Author names when I got there so I could name your authors in this Recap. I’ve added them to the Background headings in your Bib for easy reference.

    Your argument here in the Research paper makes no use of Jed Hilton (1), John McCann (2), K Miller (3), SolarTechAdvisor (4), or Olivia Bolt (5).

    For those 5, if you want to keep them in your Bibliography, you need to update your “How I Intend to Use It” sections to indicate that you did not in fact use them.

    Needless to say, you will need Bibliographic notations for the sources that you DID cite in your paper but which aren’t yet in the Bib.

    ONE LAST THING:

    I haven’t double-checked any of this against the References and citations you made in your short arguments. I’d really like to not have to do so. Please check them yourself and bring your References lists and citations into compliance. Thanks.

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  9. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 25, 2024 at 8:11 pm

    Some discrepancies between your Bibliography and your References list are natural, but usually it’s the Bibliography that is longer because it can reflect sources you consulted but never cited.

    In your case, anything you Reference should have a corresponding entry in your Bibliography, but that’s not the case.

    It’s not easy to tell, of course, because your Bib hides the author names and publication details in the hyperlink. I could check them all, but I really shouldn’t have to. The purpose of the Bib is to SAVE effort for your reader who wants to know more.

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  10. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 27, 2024 at 9:55 am

    I found and corrected 10 punctuation errors with periods, equally divided between the failure at the end of a sentence to insert a word space following the period (always before an Author’s name), as in:

    sustainability.Hediu explains

    and the failure to protect periods INSIDE the quotation marks, as in:

    expenses”. This

    As I say, they’re all corrected now, but you should return to your short arguments to scour them for those errors, too.

    While you’re there, you’ll want to investigate your own citations and References to eliminate problems like those you’ve had to correct here.

    Now, I’m going to alphabetize your References by First Word to match our APA house style.

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  11. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 27, 2024 at 10:21 am

    MILLER. Who’s Miller?

    Now that I’m reading your post for what I thought would be the last time, I see three citations for “Miller” in your first two paragraphs but no mention of Miller in your References. I’m unable to track your direct quotation to a source.

    HILTON. You say Hilton . . .

    emphasizes the importance of addressing cost barriers to promote the widespread adoption of solar-powered transportation solutions.

    . . . which is not untrue, but which neglects what should have been a brilliant summation of the cost/return ratio for after-market panel installation (the subject of Hilton’s entire article). Hilton gives you this:

    Cars with solar panels are costly and offer underwhelming power. Usually, the prices vary from $5,000 to $10,000 to install solar panels on a vehicle’s roof. Even in sunny climate, optimal conditions would net you only 250-280 kWh/year with the Hyundai Sonata’s roof, . . . a far cry from powering your vehicle and barely enough to justify the cost of an electric car with solar panels.

    Hilton is also a wonderful source for considerations of sun/shade—far better than Roberson, who you cite later. Hilton gives up the numbers that could sell your point:

    Even a little shade on a single cell can drag the entire panel’s output by 30% or more. Shading just one row would reduce the production by 60% or 70%. . . You should move your car every few hours while parking. If even one row gets shaded, the panel fails to generate enough electricity to power the vehicle.

    ROBERSON. Meanwhile, you waste the Roberson citation on this much less persuasive quotation:

    Roberson states, “Solar panels on cars might be less effective during cloudy days or when the vehicle is parked in the shade.” 

    The bigger problem is that the quote doesn’t come from the Roberson article. I don’t know the source, but it’s neither Roberson nor Hilton.

    Overall, Roberson and Miller are chock-full of tasty quotations and persuasive details that don’t make it into your argument, while the material you DO include doesn’t appear to come reliably from the sources you cite.

    I find this very discouraging. I’m sure you do, too, Snowman.

    Please don’t ask me to regrade again until your quotes and citations are accurate and your References list is complete and not OVER-complete.

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  12. Snowman10's avatar Snowman10 says:
    April 27, 2024 at 10:24 am

    I was not able to cite it up.

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  13. davidbdale's avatar davidbdale says:
    April 28, 2024 at 7:05 pm

    This is beautiful, Snowman. You’re finally citing significant and meaningful contributions to your argument with good citation technique.

    Sadly, it’s short about 2200 words from the 3000 words it should be.

    I can certainly pass it, and if it were three times as long, it would qualify for a wonderful grade indeed. But it appears we’ll need to discuss your grade at tomorrow’s conference.

    Thank you for the patience and persistence you’ve shown in responding to my repeated complaints about your work.

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