Solar-Powered Electric Vehicles, or Solar EVs, are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Solar EVs use solar panels to generate electricity which powers the vehicle’s electric motor.
In Singapore, efforts are being made to incorporate solar technology into public transportation. On March 2021, a six-month trial was conducted by Go-Ahead Singapore, one of our public transport operators, fitting ultra-thin solar panels onto the roofs of two of their diesel-powered buses. By March 2022, Transport Minister S. Iswaran announced that more than 400 diesel-powered buses will be replaced with fully electric ones by 2025, and more electric buses will be added as diesel buses that reach their statutory lifespan of 17 years are replaced.
Following that, the success of the trial to use panels on buses was announced in mid-January 2023. By end April, Go-Ahead Singapore will install solar panels on 52 more diesel-powered buses deployed across 31 bus services. With the government’s goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, this move towards incorporating solar power into public transportation will have significant positive effects on the environment.
You may wonder, what are some of the advantages of having Solar EVs?
One of the major advantages of solar-powered electric vehicles is that they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions, making them an important part of the solution to reducing global carbon emissions. As governments and organizations continue to prioritize sustainability, we can expect to see more initiatives like the one in Singapore, where solar technology is integrated into public transportation to promote sustainable transport.
Another advantage is that, there will be savings on fuel thorough the use of solar panels as solar energy is relied on to power the electric motors – a free and renewable source of energy. As solar panels have a lifespan up to of 25 years, long-term cost savings will be applicable as well.
When talking about cost savings, did you know that the use of Solar EVs helps with energy independence too? This means you won’t have to rely on traditional fuel sources that are subject to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
On Tracking and Monitoring the Clean Energy system
We’ve talked about the advantages of having solar EVs. So, how can we know if the solar panels on the solar EV is working? One of the common methods is through the use of monitoring software and applications. These tools allow vehicle owners to track the performance of their panels and battery systems, and have a rough estimation of their energy usage in real-time.
Some monitoring software can even analyze the data collected and provide insights on how to optimize the system for maximum efficiency. This helps ensure that the solar panels are generating enough energy to power the EV, and that the battery (used to store solar energy that powers the car) is being charged and discharged properly.
In addition to software and apps, there are also physical components that can be installed to monitor the clean energy system. For example, some solar EV systems may include a dashboard display that provides information on the status of the solar panels, battery, and other components. Other systems may include sensors or meters that track energy production and consumption.
Regular maintenance and inspections are also important for tracking and monitoring the clean energy system of a solar-powered EV. This includes checking the solar panels for any damage or debris, ensuring that the battery is functioning properly, and inspecting other components such as the inverter and wiring.
Conclusion
What’s worth mentioning is the government’s initiatives to promote the use of electric vehicles and the adoption of clean energy. In 2020, the Singapore government announced that it will be phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040 and will be introducing more electric vehicles into the country. As part of this plan, the government will be installing more electric vehicle charging stations across the island, making it more convenient for electric vehicle owners to charge their cars.
Furthermore, the government has launched various grants and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in Singapore. The EV Early Adoption Incentive, for example, provides a rebate of up to $20,000 for the purchase of electric cars. The Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) also encourages the purchase of low-emission vehicles by providing rebates for vehicles with lower emissions.
It is important to note that while the adoption of solar-powered EVs and other clean energy initiatives are important steps towards a sustainable future, individual efforts towards reducing carbon footprint should not be overlooked. Simple actions such as taking public transportation, walking, or cycling instead of driving can also have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions. With collective efforts and commitment towards sustainability, Singapore can continue to lead the way towards a greener future.
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Interested in taking the step towards sustainability? You can help save the environment and include solar panels to cut down on your electricity bills too! Here at SunPro Energies, we are committed to providing solar solutions for your residential, commercial and industrial needs. Contact us to enquire more and arrange for a free site visit.
