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The article "Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels" by Kok (2021) describes the benefits of fitting solar panels onto the roof of existing buses to make them green and more efficient including the electric ones. Kok stated in the article that slim and durable solar panels can generate enough energy sufficient to power the onboard battery. Normally the vehicle's alternator would be the one doing the job. However, installing the panels would result in reducing the load of the engine. The consequences of the execution would see fuel consumption is reduced, leading to tonnes of carbon emission-reducing similarly. Kok mentions the trial aims to test the effectiveness of the panels reducing fuel consumption while ensuring its robust enough to withstand elevated temperatures and daily washing of the buses. In the article by Kok (2021), Go-Ahead Singapore managing director Andrew Thompson stated that Singapore's tropical climate would yield better results than other locations. The solar panels that are fitted onto the buses are significantly thinner and lighter compared to their counterparts, making it much safer. According to the article, Go-ahead Singapore claims that it would take about four years to recuperate the cost of the trial from the saving of fuel consumption.

With climate change arriving imminently, Singapore is not immune to its effect and should shoulder some responsibility despite being a small island. Using solar panels to generate green and efficient energy by installing them onto the roofs of public buses to reduce fuel consumption and ultimately decrease the production of harmful carbon emissions is a step in the right direction towards climate conservation.

 

With recent advancements in technology, solar panels have become a capable source of clean energy. According to Kok (2021), the solar panels installed onto the rooftop can generate up to 1000 watts of energy to supply the battery onboard the bus while weighing under 20kg. The extra power source will alleviate the load on the engine due to the solar panel supporting the job of the alternator. Without the full demand for an alternator, naturally less fuel would be consumed to charge the battery. Doing so not only reduces carbon emission by burning the fuel but the operational cost would also be lessened due to less fuel being required. In addition, using solar panels extends the battery life (Deakin,2020). As the engine starts, it rapidly charges the battery while the solar panel allows a consistent charging rate leading to prolonged battery life.

 

While taking public transport significantly reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, using solar panels as an alternate source of power can further reduce the amount. Equipping buses with solar panels onto the rooftop of our public buses gives them the ability to generate clean energy resulting in decreases in fuel demand by the engine. According to Kok (2021), using the panels could save 1400 liters of diesel per bus annually which roughly converts to 3-4 percent of its normal consumption translating to 3.7 tons of carbon emission reduction. The figures may not seem much at first glance, subsequent implementations may see the number being compounded.

 

Singapore’s tropical climate makes it a prime location in maximizing the effects of generating solar energy. The usage of solar panels in Singapore is a wise decision as its yearlong “summer weather” provides everything the panels need. According to Energy Market Authority (2022), Singapore receives 50 percent more solar radiation than temperate countries with an average solar irradiance of 1580kWh/m2 per year. The fact that Singapore has a considerable advantage when it comes to solar generation, the implementation of solar panels seems to be much more viable.

 

However, as great as solar panels seem to be, it has its shortcomings as implementing solar panels comes with its own set of downsides. Kok (2021) stated that it takes around four years to recoup the cost of implementing the trial through fuel cost savings. Suggesting that the cost of incorporating solar panels is not a measly sum. Moreover, the effectiveness of the panels is not always going to guarantee maximum solar generation. According to Andrews-Speed (2021), solar panels in Singapore are constrained by two factors: cloud cover and constant high temperatures. Obstructions caused by floating clouds limit the amount of solar power being generated, reducing its effectiveness. In addition, high temperatures that emerge from the constant summer-like weather reduce the effectiveness of the photovoltaic cells as well. Lesser energy being produced ultimately affects the amount of cost being saved, reducing the incentive to continue the implementation of solar panels. However, actions could be taken to tackle these issues by making technological improvements to the solar panels.

 

In summary, solar panels have been shown to be an effective alternate source of clean energy when used in the right conditions. Other avenues are already taking advantage of solar panels e.g., the rooftop of houses, river solar farms, etc. Adding solar panels onto public buses could be a great addition to the roster, paving the way for Singapore to reach carbon neutrality.

 

Source:

Regen Power. (2021, August 31). Should buses use solar panels?. https://regenpower.com/articles/should-buses-use-solar-panels/

 

Editorial. (2020, February 7). Flixbus places solar panels on buses. onboard equipments are green powered. https://www.sustainable-bus.com/news/flixbus-places-solar-panels-on-buses-on-board-equipments-are-green-powered/ 

 

Deakin, T. (2020, December 10). Solar panels for coach and bus: What are the benefits? . Route One. https://www.route-one.net/environment/solar-panels-for-coach-and-bus-what-are-the-benefits/ 

 

Energy Market Authority. (2022). Solar Photovoltaic Systems. https://www.ema.gov.sg/Solar_Photovoltaic_Systems.aspx 

 

Kok, Y. (2021, March 30). Go-ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels. Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/first-public-buses-with-solar-panels-hit-the-road-in-six-month-trial-by-go-ahead\

Andrews-Speed, P. (2021, February 07) Commentary: Why hasn’t Solar Energy in Singapore taken off in a big way after so long?. Channel News Asia. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/solar-energy-singapore-panels-cloudy-unpredictable-electricity-1882996

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