As both solar power and electric vehicles are gaining tremendous popularity across recent years, many people are naturally wondering what their options are here. One range of questions involves the actual placement of solar panels themselves on a vehicle to power it continuously - is this possible, and could a vehicle theoretically run forever with the right solar panels placed on it?

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to offer an unmatched range of residential and commercial solar power services to clients around Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho - including systems that power more than just your home itself, but also other major components in your life in many cases. Let's look at this intriguing question, plus dig into what's out there in terms of electric vehicles and solar power - and what could be coming in the future.

How Solar Panels Work

This conversation is best started with a basic understanding of how solar panels actually work. They are made up of cells made from silicon, which is a semiconductor material capable of capturing photons - tiny particles of sunlight that hit the Earth every day.

When these photons collide with the silicon in a solar cell, they knock loose electrons and create an electrical current. Multiple silicon cells are connected together to form a panel, then multiple panels are wired together to form an array.

Challenges of Placing Solar Panels on Vehicles

With this basic understanding of how solar panels work, it's easy to see why people might think about placing them on vehicles for continuous power. However, there are several challenges that make this option difficult.

Firstly, vehicles have limited surface area for solar panels to be placed on. This means that the amount of power generated would likely not be enough to sustain a vehicle's energy needs, especially if it's a larger or more powerful vehicle.

Secondly, vehicles are constantly moving and changing directions, which affects the angle at which sunlight hits the panels. For optimal energy production, solar panels need to be angled directly towards the sun - something that is not easily achievable while driving.

This is why many experts believe that while it's possible to place solar panels on vehicles, it's not currently a practical solution for powering them continuously.

Combining Solar Power and Electric Vehicles

While placing solar panels directly on vehicles may not be feasible, there are other ways to combine solar power and electric vehicles. The simplest and most common method is to use solar panels installed on a stationary structure, such as a home or garage, to charge an electric vehicle's battery.

Another option is using portable solar panels that can be set up and angled towards the sun while the vehicle is parked. This allows for some energy to be generated and stored in the vehicle's battery while it's not in use.

Future Possibilities

As technology continues to advance, there may be more innovative ways to combine solar power and electric vehicles. One possibility could be integrating thin-film solar cells into car bodies or windows, allowing for continuous charging while driving.

There are also ongoing research and development efforts focused on creating efficient and affordable solar-powered cars. While we may not see fully solar-powered vehicles on the market anytime soon, it's an exciting area of progress to watch.

Ensuring Your Setup Has Enough Power for a Vehicle

If you have an electric vehicle or are thinking about purchasing one that you plan to power partially or fully using your solar panels, it's important to work with a solar professional to determine the appropriate setup for your energy needs.

Factors such as the size of your vehicle, how often you use it, and your daily energy consumption will all play a role in determining the necessary solar panel array size and battery storage capacity. Your solar professional can help you design a system that meets your specific needs and maximizes efficiency.

While placing solar panels directly on vehicles may not be practical at the moment, there are still ways to combine solar power and electric vehicles. With ongoing advancements in technology, we may see more innovative solutions in the future. In the meantime, it's important to consult with a professional to ensure that your setup has enough power to support your electric vehicle.

So, if you're considering going solar and powering your vehicle with it, reach out to Intermountain Wind & Solar for expert guidance and industry-leading services. Let's work together towards a sustainable future through the use of clean energy sources, whether you're in SLC, Utah or Boise, Idaho areas.