Why solar panels on cars make no sense (at this point) Comments

• Sion is crying rn
• 043
• 28 Jan 2023

If you haven't heard about the Sion, it's basically been in development probably since before the queen was born /s. it's whole 'thing' is that it's covered in invisible solar panels basically everywhere on the car. I always liked the thing eventho i find solar panels on cars stupid. it's just kinda between a van and a hatchback size wise which i don't have a use for but i think fills a segment few car makers explore. Plus the interior with the moss is such a cool idea.. Now i haven't done as much reading as i should have but it seems like Sono Motors have big problems financing their car as more and more investors realise how it doesn't really make sense but still they keep prototyping despite not actually having the money for it :/

I wish they would just release the car without all of the complicated solar stuff and make some money but that will never happen because Sono Motors is basically at this point a solar company first and a car company second... I mean selling it now wouldn't mean they can't keep working on car solar to bring it out for the next model generation or even for a facelift in a couple years.

On a sidenote: why does every car maker have you choose between a gorgeos panoramic roof OR an ugly partially seethrough at best solar panel? why not put the solar on the car's hood?

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• Anonymous
• K1L
• 28 Jan 2023

I think that the more critical problem with solar panels is that not all places have adequate lighting from the sun. Also, let's not forget about monsoon season when you have floods coming in. That further put solar panels to a disadvantage.

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• CptPower
• SH3
• 28 Jan 2023

Sounds interesting but since solar panel charging the battery is really very super slow i see no future in here right now.

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• Samath KTM rider
• rJZ
• 28 Jan 2023

I agree with the author here.

In today's times, home based solar panels don't waste a single ounce of electricity generated.
If your home is not using the full current that your solar panel makes, it sends extra current back to the grid for your neighbors to use, and you get some money credited to your bill, which is to say, you're getting money for producing electricity.

Solar panel on a car is simply a wasted effort, its much better to get the same panel on your roof.

I'd love a similar article on battery technologies that make actually materialise in the future...

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572

• Fearghast
• nt{
• 28 Jan 2023

I really love the idea of solar panels on a car, if I go with the new PHV Prius, it will be equipped with one, BUT I do not expect investment to ever return ... it is simply curiosity, possible tiny bit of boost in comfort, and you can't really see it as it is extremely well hidden this generation (it is much better integrated in terms of inventors, buffer etc. as well compared to 2016→2022 PHV).

I would build myself a solar roof if I had my own house or a private garage, but that is sadly not a possibility right now.
When I read the article, I must say I agree with all points, even if they are described fairly basic in a "THX captain obvious" manner ... but that's my opinion and for someone with unrealistic expectations, it might be just a right thing to read.

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