Why can't we embed Solar Cells on cars and use them to help recharge Batteries on electric cars?

Question

In light of new Braking-reverse power generation and the increased power output abilities of Solar Cells, Most cars set outside during the day-the sensitivity of the solar cells would still generated a charge during dim light. Photoconductive paint and Solar Cells could re-energize the batteries over the hours it is set outside. If this method, in addition to air turbines and micro-generators about the wheel base could be attached, set at a light resistance, could create more power for batteries or slow release capacitors. The slow release capacitors are used in place of batteries in model airplanes and hovercraft-1 minute of charge produces 3-5 minutes or power to the craft. Why can't these principles be used in the cars. I am trying to see about this method to be environmentally friendly- this produces 0 emmisions/polution- almost silent to handle noise pollution. and you don't sacrifice any safety or room to the vehicle. The vehicle would require less repairs- no Transmission.

Answer 1

More than likely the cost to produce a car like that would be astronomical.  Just wouldn't be worth it to car manufactures to make it.  Not to mention the amount of tax money the government would lose due to not having comsumers puchasing gasoline.

Answer 2

You can. Solar powered trickle chargers for a lead acid battery can be found at any spare parts dealer. A lot of 4x4 drivers use them to keep batteries charged while parked up and to be able to use car fridges without having to run their motor to keep up charge.All so there is a race ?  across Australia Nth to Sth for solar powered cars.The only hold up to electric cars is the people that build them.  (See "Who killed the electric car")

Answer 3

You can but the solar cells just are not that powerful to help much.

Answer 4

Three reasons:

1) Inefficiency. They just don't produce that much power.

2) Not cost effective.

3) Inconsistency. The sun is not always out.

Answer 5

because we need to improve hamburger quality first

Answer 6

Even if you could harness the entire power of the sun in the brightest part of the world over the entire surface area of your car, it would make almost no difference to the operation of a hybrid or electric car.  If you want to buy solar cells to combat AGW, put them on your house where you have more surface area, therefore can produce more electricity and anyone in the country can use it, paying you.

BTW, what are "slow-release capacitors?"  I teach Basic Electricity and I've never heard of them, the discharge rate of a capacitor is only dependent on the resistance value and the capactiance value.  And batteries can store WAY more energy for the size.

If it was as easy as you are suggesting, it would have been done already.

Answer 7

The ZAP-X design contains nano solar cells.

http://www.zapworld.com/ZAPWorld.aspx?id...

http://www.myninjaplease.com/green/?cat=...