How Does a Solar Car Conserve Energy?

A solar-powered car is covered with solar cells.

Solar cars that fully depend on solar energy are not used commonly, as of 2010. Most practical solar cars have additional power sources, such as a battery or gas. This helps conserve energy.

Energy Storage

Solar cars harness solar energy through photovoltaic (PV) cells made from semiconductors like silicon. PV cells convert solar energy into electricity, which is used to run the car or stored for future use. Therefore, such cars conserve energy by harnessing solar energy when available.

Fuel Economy

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (USDE), about 15 percent of the total fuel is used up to run a car or useful accessories. The remaining 85 percent is wasted in idling and other inefficiencies. However, an electric motor converts 75 percent of energy to run the car. Therefore, electric cars have a higher acceleration and smoother operation.

Plug-in Electric Vehicles

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) can be plugged in and charged through rooftop solar panels. Therefore, such cars are not covered with solar panels that heat the interiors excessively, but can still use solar energy for their operation. PEVs conserve energy that might be used in cooling the cabin.

References

• Energy Kids: Renewable Solar
• U.S. Department of Energy: Electric Vehicles