Summary & Reader's Response #Draft 2

The article “Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels” (Kok, 2021). The trial of public buses with solar panels aims to explore the efficiency and durability of such systems.

 

Singapore welcomes a fleet of buses with solar panels to evaluate how effective and durable such implementation will be as part of a 6 months pilot trial on two Man A22 Euro 6 diesel-powered buses. 

 

Kok mentioned that those solar panels will generate a total of 1000 watts of electricity to charge the battery on the buses. It will help to save up to 1400 litres of diesel and contribute to a reduction of 3.7 tonnes of carbon emissions per bus per year. Another evaluation will be to ensure the solar panels can withstand high temperatures and daily bus maintenance such as cleaning. 

 

Kok assured that rigorous safety assessments have been done to obtain approval by the Land Transport Authority which is supporting the initiative by Go-Ahead Singapore. The success of such pilot trials will be a game-changer to pave the way to public transport sustainability.

With such implementation of trials, solar powered vehicles are deemed to significantly reduce fuel usage and carbon footprint, hence, improving on the sustainability.

Apart from CO2 emission, a trial by Flixbus has claimed that solar panels fitted to one of their buses have cut fuel consumption by 7% (Deakin, 202). Battery life can also be extended by use of the panels, and they can be connected to the vehicle’s electrical system which can power equipment in vehicles including USB charging points, lightings and more. Deakin also mentioned that through the gradual adoption of buses with solar panels, it will increase the commercial viability of solar panels across other vehicles in the long run. Technology and constant software updates will also ensure the development

 

This was further supported by Neelis (2018), stating that although solar panels will not be able to replace the existing vehicle operational system, it is a sustainable addition of supplement while reducing harmful emissions and being cost efficient with the improved mileage. Automobile companies such as Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have been integrating solar panels in the recent models, having 100W solar panels which can generate up to 100Wh of energy, this evident as a potential development. 

 

In addition, there are multiple start-ups and well-established original equipment manufacturers developing on such technology, integrating into various body parts such as tailgates, doors, etc (Weber, 2021). Thus, this will increase the energy intake with the increase of surface area capturing continuously regardless of the car being stationary or moving. According to Lightyear One, the function will provide enough energy to cover more than 70% of annual miles. Thus, supporting solar panels on vehicles will significantly reduce fuel usage, improving sustainability.

 

However, solar power vehicles would require further development or improvements to be released in the market due to its impracticality (Zientara, 2020). It is evident with the Bluepoint solar car by Agoria Solar Team, being a single occupant vehicle yet unable to supply to the basic distance requirement. Zientara further elaborated with an example, Nissan Leaf, requiring 3.44 kilowatts of solar energy if driven 50 kilometres each day. Under full sun, some of the greatest residential solar panels on the market would only produce roughly 345 watts. Hence, Nissan Leaf despite being a small automobile will require approximately 10 of such solar panels, proving it’s impracticality. 

 

In conclusion, solar panel buses are sustainable for the future, by reducing fuel usage from the vehicle's alternator that supplies the battery. This also reduces carbon emission by using less fuel, which is a favourable situation for the company and Singapore’s environment.

 

Reference:

Deakin, T. (2020). Solar panels for coach and bus: What are the benefits? Retrieved from https://www.route-one.net/environment/solar-panels-for-coach-and-bus-what-are-the-benefits/

Kok, Y. (2021). Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/first-public-buses-with-solar-panels-hit-the-road-in-six-month-trial-by-go-ahead

Weber, A. (2021). Automakers Are Developing Solar-Powered Vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/96333-automakers-are-developing-solar-powered-vehicles

Zientara, B. (2022). Solar panel car roofs: are they a good idea? Retrieved from https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/solar-panel-car-roofs-are-they-a-good-idea