Solar power cars, government and the environment?

Question

how does it work? does it charge the battery as in if i charged it full up how long would it last?

do you think the government should take every persons car one by one and make it into a solar car? wouldnt this be better for the earth in places like NY and other big places? i know it would be expensive but you cant put a price on this earth, and we need it to live.

Why arent the governments making laws about being more energy efficient? i think they should charge people for over using evergy. or only give so much a day. i think this would make a hudge impact.

oh and how much are these solar power cars? i keep reading on the internet that you cant buy them and have to make them yourself :S???

Answer 1

Most solar power cars convert solar energy into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) modules. In very basic terms, PV or solar cells are electronic devices that can produce electricity when light is impinging on it's surface. Cars that work on this princliple generally have batteries to store electricity, which is used later when the car is mobile.

The truth is that none of the solar car prototypes are production models due to their short range, high price, low load carrying capacity, and lack of practicality. The only way these can replace fossil-fuel driven autos, is they are economically and practically attractive. Even if any government wants to do what you are suggesting, they probably cant, atleast right now. NY state government does provide incentive for energy savings in buildings, and in other areas, based on certain criteria. check NYSERDA.com.

Both the governments, and electric and gas utility companies, generally have incentive schemes for energy savings and demand reduction. Every new building that is built has to meet certain criteria in terms of energy efficiency and that code is called ASHRAE-90.1. So the government is doing its bit.  It's eventually a new and better technology that can replace the current fossil fuel use.

Answer 2

There are no "solar powered cars."  There are electric cars, that can be charged with solar power, but they can also be charged with electricity generated from many other sources.

What you do not realize is that the government cannot take your car just to "save the planet."  That would violate the Constitution.

It cannot just make them all into electric cars.  Who would pay for it?  Do you realize that every dollar the government spends comes from you and me?  It would be cheaper for everyone to buy and/or build their own electric car than to have the government do it for them.

Essentially you are talking about Socialism.  It does not work, it is not efficient, and it tends to financially destroy every country that tries it.  The government is not your nanny, nor was it intended to be, nor should it be.  I could write a very long answer to you question, but their are plenty of books available that clearly explain why the government cannot and should not control our lives to the extent you are talking about.

You can purchase an electric car in California, or by a kit online.  Electric cars run from $20,000 to $110,000, and a conversion kit will cost you between $7000 and $15,000.