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Solar panels are dirt cheap, so throwing them approximately everywhere makes good sense. We're not really limited in the number of panels we can produce right n
by timerol 4y ago
Solar panels are dirt cheap, so throwing them approximately everywhere makes good sense. We're not really limited in the number of panels we can produce right now. Rooftop solar is mostly expensive because installed costs are 10x the raw costs (around $3/W total compared to $0.30/W of panels). Installing them in a factory removes that bespoke assembly step. Everything that is manufactured, sits outside, and uses electricity might as well have solar attached
- dale_glass 4y agoPanels are cheap, but integrating them into something like a car takes time and effort, and hardware to support charging from solar, all of which costs money. It's even more money if you want to design a car that can obtain any measurable amount of range from solar.
- timerol 4y agoThose costs are all distributed over the manufactured product, as opposed to requiring bespoke engineering and construction work on each installation. I would also argue that designing more energy efficient transportation is worth doing regardless of whether that includes solar or not.
- causi 4y agoProducing panels and charging circuitry has a carbon footprint. So does installing them. It's going to take a long, long time for car-mounted panels to offset that footprint, and even longer for the cost. On top of that there's costs associated with leaving your car exposed to sun all day which you have to factor in for everyone except drivers who have no choice but to do so.