Question:
I've actually seen a car at a show once that was covered in solar panels. Does anything know how the engineering of these cars is going, and whether there will be a solar/fuel hybrid car sometime in the future?
Answer:
It really isn't practical now, nor will it ever be given the current state of solar cells. However, it is a fascinating subject and someday someone may make a breakthrough on cell efficiency.
Seems to me I remember a number along the lines of 400 watts per square meter was available from sunlight. If this is accurate, and one horsepower is roughly 750 watts, then an entire car body covered in cells would produce less power than a decent sized lawnmower.
More Questions & Answers...
What is the density of the solar system planets and satellites?
Does anyone know anything about solar panels?
How much does a solar panel cost?
What is the highest efficency a solar panel has reached so far?
What is the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse?
Where can I buy extra stakes to hold solar yard lights?
Are there any pictures of the solar system taken from outside the solar system?
What is the exact difference between solar and acrylic nails?