Summary
- Successful attempts to cross the US on solar power have been documented
- Setting records for solar-powered travel can lead to technological progress
- One journey took almost two months due to charging stops in various locations
- Another team completed the journey in under two weeks using a solar-powered vehicle
- Despite current limitations, advancements in solar technology could improve the speed and efficiency of solar-powered cross-country trips in the future.
Article
Two successful attempts at crossing the United States using only solar power have been documented. The first journey took almost two months, with stops at various locations to set up solar panels for charging. The second trip, completed in under two weeks, utilized a vehicle resembling a solar-powered car that had solar panels mounted on the vehicle itself. While both trips showcased the potential of solar power for transportation, they also highlighted the challenges and limitations of current solar technology in terms of speed and efficiency.
Setting records for solar-powered journeys may not seem significant at first glance, but they can lead to advancements in technology and infrastructure. Similar to how the first transcontinental railroad led to the development of the Interstate Highway System, pushing the boundaries of solar technology can inspire progress in renewable energy transportation. While the current trips may not be practical for everyday use, they serve as benchmarks for future improvements in solar-powered vehicles and infrastructure.
The slow pace and challenges faced by the solar-powered vehicles during their journeys underscore the need for advancements in solar panel efficiency and energy storage. Currently, solar technology has significantly improved since its experimental stages, with potential for even higher efficiencies in the future. Researchers are exploring ways to increase efficiency and harness more solar energy for electricity generation, which could greatly impact the speed and performance of solar vehicles for cross-continent trips.
Despite the current limitations of onboard solar power for vehicles, there is optimism for the future of solar transportation. Just as electric vehicles have evolved from slow and inefficient models to fast-charging, long-range options, solar technology for transportation is also expected to improve over time. By setting benchmarks like the Cannonball Sun challenge, which requires vehicles to be powered only by sunlight, the industry can track progress and encourage innovation in solar-powered transportation.
While the idea of solar-powered vehicles may seem far-fetched now, the history of electric vehicles and solar technology shows that advancements can happen over time. By investing in research and development of solar technology, as well as infrastructure for solar EV charging stations, the potential for widespread adoption of solar-powered transportation could become a reality. The Cannonball Sun challenge serves as a reminder of the progress that can be made in renewable energy transportation, and the importance of continued innovation in the field.
Read the full article here
