Anyone who’s done the research will tell you that the implementation of solar energy is gaining traction quickly. What was once an idea for people living off the grid has now turned into a huge industry for our country and is set to surpass other energy sources in the coming decades.
While installing solar power systems on the rooftops of homes and businesses is now pretty common, engineers are exploring other ways to bring solar to consumers without having to change the way we live our daily lives. Think for a moment and consider what other items you use regularly that might benefit from a renewable energy source?
If you guessed your car, you’re on the right track. It’s recently been announced that Audi will be coming out with a prototype by the end of 2017 that incorporates thin-film solar cells onto the car’s rooftop. Another German manufacturer, Dethleffs, is creating the concept for a solar powered RV. When you look at the immense amount of flat unused space on that type of vehicle, it actually makes a lot of sense.
By incorporating this technology into the vehicles we drive, it effectively helps to make their range last longer and is a huge step forward toward reducing our carbon footprint. Instead of only being able to travel 300 miles, for instance, you now might be able to enjoy solar powered air conditioning or heated seats and be able to drive even farther.
How do you feel about integrating solar power in this way? Is it taking the idea of renewable energy a bit too far, or could it be the future when it comes to how we travel?
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