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Solar Power in Public Transportation
Solar-powered mass transit is key to U.S. energy sustainability. Did you know that one full city bus can keep 50 or more cars off the road? Or that a single solar array can remove one entire home from the electric grid? Both technologies, solar and mass transit, are getting extra special attention given the rising costs of fuel and home energy.
Public transportation and solar power have traditionally been independent of each other. However, the race to increase and improve mass transit infrastructure while reducing energy and fuel consumption is facilitating a close relationship between the two. It’s exciting and we’re getting amped up at the thought of widespread clean energy systems.
Let’s take a look at the different manifestations of solar-powered transit:
Solar On the Bus Line
In general, solar power technology is not advanced enough to power city buses in real time - that is, rooftop solar panels powering buses as they run daily routes. However, there is a steady rise among hybrid and electric buses that can power up at solar charging stations. Residential solar power is also being used to power transit facilities, bus stop shelters and to create alternative fuels for buses. It is in these somewhat indirect applications that solar power currently has its greatest effect on public transit.
Recovery Act in Motion
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), otherwise known as the stimulus package or recovery act, is having a profound impact on greening public transportation systems around the United States. And solar power is heavily involved. According to Clean Fleet Report, in September of 2009, the federal government announced $100 million in funding for 43 transit projects aimed at greening city bus systems. Here are several projects in which solar power will play a pivotal role:
California - AC Transit of Oakland received $6.4 million to increase solar photovoltaic capacity at a facility that generates hydrogen for Oakland's fuel cell-powered, zero-emission buses. The City of Santa Clarita got over $4.6 million to add PV modules to its maintenance facility. The panels will be installed on canopies to provide shade for buses. Also in California, North County Transit District (San Diego) will use Recovery Act funding to install solar power at a variety of facilities.
Delaware - Delaware Transit Corporation received $1.5 million for solar panel installations at its facilities to offset the transit system's electricity costs.
Georgia - In Atlanta, $10.8 million has been approved for the Rapid Transit Authority to construct a grid-tied solar-powered shade structure at a bus storage lot. It will be the largest PV installation in Georgia.
Illinois - The Chicago Transit Authority received $1.5 million to build solar-powered outdoor bus stalls that will provide power for up to 80 vehicles, as well as heating and air conditioning to buses that would otherwise be left idling during cleaning. Elsewhere in Illinois, Rock Island Metro received $600,000 for a solar thermal system to provide hot water for its operations and maintenance building.
Massachusetts - Lowell Regional Transit Authority will install a solar system on its Hale Street facility, where buses are stored, fueled, maintained and repaired. The 70,000 square foot building also houses LRTA's administrative and dispatch services. LRTA was awarded $1.5 million to install the solar system.
Washington - Clark County Public Transportation in Vancouver received $1.5 million to improve systems and install solar panels at several facilities. The projects will combine energy efficiency upgrades with solar electricity to reduce the overall environmental impact of public transportation in Vancouver.
Independent of Recovery Act funding, earlier in 2009, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) unveiled the nation's largest solar panel installation (1.2 megawatts) on one of its facilities. In recent years, Metro has installed solar power systems on several of its bus division facilities. Metro also uses many alternative-fueled buses, which in total, comprise the nation's largest public transportation fleet of its kind.
Solar Bus Shelters
Solar electricity is also having an impact at bus stops. Three major concerns, safety, lighting and weather protection, are easily alleviated by solar-powered bus shelters. Solar bus shelters are already in use in cities across the U.S. and Europe. One of the latest innovations in this area is the PV-Stop from the Urban Solar Corporation. These LED-lit, solar-powered bus shelters are exemplary of the safe, viable and appealing role that solar bus shelters can and do play in public transportation.
One high-profile example waits in San Francisco, where the city recently opened the first of 1,200 new bus shelters. At least one-third of them will be powered by solar panels on the shelters' roofs. The panels will power lighting, an LED arrival-time display and a push-button loudspeaker for visually impaired riders. The shelters will be grid-connected with excess power fed back into the grid.
Adelaide and the Electric Bus
In Adelaide, Australia, the public can ride (for free!) the Tindo, an all-electric city bus which gets its power from a solar PV system mounted onto Adelaide's central bus station. The bus can drive 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge and carry up to 27 passengers at a time. It is the first public bus in the world to use 100% solar electricity. Its name, Tindo, is the Kaurna Aboriginal word for sun.
Solar Rides the Rails
New York City's subway system and Chicago's El Train are famously successful examples of public transportation by rail. Operating on a wider scale are Amtrak in the United States and Europe's well-travelled spider web of international train routes.
Trains travel long distances under the sun's energetic glow, making them at least theoretical hotspots for solar power. Trains, however, require a lot of fuel and power to run and at present technology levels, solar has yet to make much of a dent in mass transit by train. But a dent, however small, has been made.
The most straightforward example comes out of Italy. In 2005, Italian company Trenitalia set in motion its first PVTRAIN, a prototype passenger/cargo train with solar modules integrated into its roof. The panels produce 1.36 kW of peak power, which is used for air conditioning, lighting and safety systems.
In Japan, which boasts one of the world’s most extensive bullet train networks, has been using solar power for years to provide some power for its fleet of trains. Trains typically charge up while stopped at stations equipped with PV arrays.
One of the most aggressive concepts for solar-powered trains comes from Arizona. The Solar Bullet train is designed to run from Tucson to Phoenix (to start), traveling at 220 mph beneath a canopy of solar panels. Its co-creators point out that all the technology to build the train and railway is already available in Europe and could alleviate major commuter problems in Arizona and elsewhere, while providing excess power and economic gain for local communities. The Solar Bullet remains in development at this time, but Solar Bullet LLC hopes to be operational by 2018. If not technology, then money may be their biggest obstacle. Their ideal cost is about $20-40 million per mile of track which, according to some estimates, puts that overall cost at $27 billion for the first phase. The company claims that the train would need 110 megawatts of electricity to run, which is readily available in the Southwest's very sunny climate.
In Wales, solar power provides electricity to a miniature railway that runs around a lake in Rhyl. The train is wholly powered by solar panels mounted on the train station and museum building. It is designed to demonstrate the potential for solar power in Wales by offering visitors a ride on a solar-powered train.
If a small lakeside ride is just too big for you, then ride on down to the South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach, where you'll find the Solar Express, a unique, solar-powered outdoor model railroad complete with push-button controls for curious visitors.
Solar On the High Seas?
Just a few weeks ago, in Japan, the Auriga Leader set out of the Port of Kobe on a test run. The Leader is a partially solar-powered automobile carrier with 328 solar panels equaling 40 kilowatts mounted on its deck. The ship is no dinghy. It is 60,213 tons, 200 meters long and can transport 6,200 vehicles.
Yet the Leader is far from solar-powered. The PV array offsets 0.3 percent of the ship's total energy consumption and 6.9 percent of its electricity usage. But it does represent the first ship of its kind and is only a test to determine whether larger PV systems are viable for big ships. The panels will remain on the ship and be monitored for the next two years. Some important variables include how the system holds up against salt damage, wind, mechanical vibration and swaying.
The Auriga Leader is no public transit vehicle, but it could prove an important test run. For if a 60,000-ton cargo ship can successfully (if partially) run off solar power, then why not a cruise ship or a passenger ferry?
For buses, trains and boats - not to mention cars - direct solar-powered travel is far off. The best we've gotten to date is an electric bus that charges up with solar power, which admittedly, is just as effective. Perhaps the future for eco-friendly mass transit lies in alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, biodiesel and natural gas, but don't count out solar power. It's already powering plenty of transit facilities, stops and stations. And it is but one quick jump from rooftop to bus-top.
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| solar power
| transportation
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67 Comments
#1 by Laura Etipio on May 19, 2010 at 4:57 p.m.
That's an interresting way of developping solar energy on the sea. Sure, the amount of energy needed to move such large ship is huge, but may be in the future, we'll know how to do more powerfulenergy.
#2 by Namrata Shrestha on May 26, 2010 at 1:14 a.m.
Solar power would be really a good alternative. I am in Nepal and suffering 16 hours power cutt off !
Regards
Baba
#3 by Triyono Wibowo on May 29, 2010 at 8:27 a.m.
Interesting post. I have been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. I’ll likely be coming back to your blog. Keep up great writing.
#4 by SEO Service on May 29, 2010 at 1:58 p.m.
#5 by Caddy Monroe on May 30, 2010 at 9:54 p.m.
That's an interresting way of developping solar energy on the sea
#6 by Raşit Turan on June 1, 2010 at 5:35 p.m.
That's an interresting way of developping solar energy on the sea
Ayırma Büyüsü
#7 by Nick Sam on June 2, 2010 at 5:48 a.m.
Very nice way to generate engery via the sea.
#8 by Eli Wagar-Kustermann on June 4, 2010 at 11:57 p.m.
Lately I have been taking Hybrid buses in Minneapolis which have been great. Like you said at the moment it may just be a dent in the consumption of traditional energy, but every dent counts. Their is not going to be one magical thing we do that will save us from our downward energy spiral, we need to think smart and combine technologies with renewable energies.
Solar Power Cost
Great ideas are written on here! I'm sure that solar power energy is the only way in what we can preserve our nature. Nowadays more and more automobile companies try to invent the new car models with the GREEN meaning. But what about public transport? So, I can resume on the topic of this article that it is really importent to implement this system in this area as well. The more such buses and apropriate information - the healthier life for our next generations!
#10 by Josh Smith on June 8, 2010 at 7:35 p.m.
I read an interesting post regarding how New York City is on of the most energy efficiant cities in the United States. The reasoning behind this is its reliance on public transportation. This is an extremely important concept to utilize solar power and the overall direction that metropolitan cities must take. I run a Speed Dating company and give discounts to participants who bring their bus tickets. Every little bit counts!
#11 by Josh Smith on June 8, 2010 at 7:38 p.m.
I read an interesting post regarding how New York City is on of the most energy efficiant cities in the United States. The reasoning behind this is its reliance on public transportation. This is an extremely important concept to utilize solar power and the overall direction that metropolitan cities must take.
#12 by Markus Wilson on June 11, 2010 at 4:28 p.m.
Interesting thoughts and post, thanks.
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Markus
#13 by Joy Smith on June 13, 2010 at 8:38 a.m.
This is the nice way to generate power with sea.
It helps for public transaction too as electric bus that charges up with solar power.
#14 by Mon Larry on June 16, 2010 at 8:41 a.m.
I dont think that the technology is very advanced in this domain...but maybe in the future that thing will be possible.
#15 by Yudhi Will on June 16, 2010 at 1:51 p.m.
Really great post, thank you
#16 by James Caine on June 17, 2010 at 6:52 a.m.
I would love to solar power go to public transit. I think this is a must for our future. I think the technology is here and we need to do it.
#17 by Emerita Dufilho on June 21, 2010 at 3:39 a.m.
This was a wonderful post. I really appreciate it.
#18 by Claire Williams on June 21, 2010 at 4:39 a.m.
This was really interesting and I think solar power is something that should be used through out society.
Thanks Claire Williams
#19 by Lisa Wilson on June 21, 2010 at 9:34 p.m.
I think using solar power would be great in the big scheme of things. We need to get away for fossil fuels.
Thanks Lisa Wilson
#20 by Bluma Keller on June 22, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.
Using renewable energy such as solar power is one of the many ways to have a clean energy. Solar power is unlimited and don't pollute the air not like fossil fuels. So I think that solar power in public transport is a way to reduce fuel consumption.
#21 by Jane Mansfield on June 22, 2010 at 8:21 p.m.
Its true that we really need to get our energy consumption under control. I love using gas engines but its a fact there is only so much gas on the planet and we will run out.
Thanks Jane Mansfield
#22 by Shalon Huskinson on June 23, 2010 at 12:25 a.m.
In view of the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, I feel that it is imperative that we search for alternative forms of energy.
Thank you for such an informative post.
Glass doors Consultant
#23 by Castel Iron on June 23, 2010 at 6:28 p.m.
that is a brilliant idea... They should develop new sources of energy.
#24 by Jenni Madison on June 24, 2010 at 2:14 a.m.
Yes usually the government loses money on public transportation. So I think this would really save the government alot of money in the long run becuase they dont have to buy fuel.
Thanks Jenni Madison
#25 by Verona Roxberry on June 24, 2010 at 3:15 a.m.
This is such a great idea! I would love to see this take place in the next couple years. I wonder if policy makers would approve.
Verona Roxberry
#26 by Crissy Carson on June 24, 2010 at 10:48 p.m.
I love solar power technology! I think this is a great idea and hopefully we can start taking care of these problems as soon as possible.
Thanks Crissy Carson
#27 by Sara Raja on June 25, 2010 at 3:12 p.m.
Solar power technology is an awesome technology. According to my prospectice third world countries should utilize this technology to solve their power issues.
#28 by Nathan Cafearo on June 26, 2010 at 9:34 p.m.
Solar power is the way forward. Great Post.
#29 by Suzy Reynolds on June 26, 2010 at 11:17 p.m.
Solar power is really fun and interesting. I think we could really help the country and world if we worked harder on this technology.
Thanks Suzy Reynolds
#30 by Dani Cosmo on June 27, 2010 at 10:34 a.m.
that is the future... we should focus on solar and hydro energy.
#31 by Sonya Moore on June 27, 2010 at 6:32 p.m.
We have to let go of oil. The only reason oil is important is becuase people are really ripping the public off by selling it. We need new technoogy to help us get away for oil use.
Thnaks Sonya Moore
#32 by Jennie Wright on June 28, 2010 at 11:22 p.m.
Thanks for this great article. I am a huge fan of solar power. I run an online marketing experts company and we really work hard to only use solar power. This is great.
#33 by Josi Manis on June 30, 2010 at 12:37 a.m.
This great blog is very interesting and enjoyable to read. I am a big fan of the subjects discussed. I also enjoy reading the comments, but notice that alot of people should stay on topic to try and add value to the original blog post. I would also encourage everyone to bookmark this page to your favourite service to help
#34 by Aneek Alam on June 30, 2010 at 4:38 p.m.
This is the nice way to generate power with sea.
It helps for public transaction too as electric bus that charges up with solar power.
#35 by Alfreda Fingal on July 1, 2010 at 3:08 p.m.
This is a good idea because it could reduce the pollution in the air and could lessen global warming. But it will need a lot of money to build solar public transport.
#36 by Rexolute Doank on July 3, 2010 at 11:51 a.m.
These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post, writing is simply great, thank you for the post
#37 by Kin Ner on July 7, 2010 at 9:58 a.m.
This is an extremely important concept to utilize solar power and the overall direction that metropolitan cities must take.
#38 by Duke Da on July 8, 2010 at 1:57 p.m.
great information on this website, hope this will help other users and motivate the rest to save planet earth.
#39 by Duke Da on July 8, 2010 at 1:59 p.m.
great information on this website, hope this will help other users and motivate the rest to save planet earth
#40 by Sara Foster on July 9, 2010 at 12:22 p.m.
Excellent concept! Brand image can be reinforced by brand communications. You need to focus both on offline and online medium. Social media is an important place where you can communicate one to one with your traget audience.
#41 by Peter Kay on July 10, 2010 at 11:57 a.m.
i just love the name of this website - wattwatt - it sound so cool.
#42 by Jarrod Frenzel on July 11, 2010 at 4:56 p.m.
I'm glad to see that we are moving in this direction. I live down here in The Woodlands TX and am seeing more people taking the bus on their commute to downtown Houston. I wish they would put a high speed, energy efficient train connecting Houston-Austin-Dallas- and San Antonio. Some people think all these cities will be connected one day forming Mega Region.
#43 by Dani Cosmo on July 11, 2010 at 8:24 p.m.
it is a great alternative for energy. We will use it for sure in the future.
#44 by Josi Manis on July 12, 2010 at 3:25 p.m.
#45 by Kelly Baby on July 13, 2010 at 11:10 p.m.
Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!
#46 by Nathan Cafearo on July 14, 2010 at 8:18 a.m.
Hello from the UK. We here should be pioneering this field. I would like to know where our pioneering spirit has gone.
John Green
#47 by Wiki Susan on July 17, 2010 at 11:50 a.m.
I live down here in The Woodlands TX and am seeing more people taking the bus on their commute to downtown Houston. I wish they would put a high speed, energy efficient train connecting Houston-Austin-Dallas- and San Antonio.
#48 by Kiran Kumar on July 17, 2010 at 1:35 p.m.
I visited your blog for the first time and just been your fan. I think your designing work to this is really great. Looking forward to reading the rest.
#49 by Nathan Cafearo on July 18, 2010 at 8:33 a.m.
We are currently installing solar PV tiles on our property. These are the most amazing product imaginable. Saves money from the outset and adds value to our home. Perfect.
Thanks Nathan Cafearo
#50 by Bentley Wilshire on July 18, 2010 at 9 p.m.
Solar power is a great way to utilize a renewable source of energy. What a great idea to incorporate this type of technology into the automobile industry. More funding should be placed towards advancing this technology.
#51 by Vanessa Keilind on July 19, 2010 at 9:18 p.m.
Solar plower is wonderful and should be embraced to the fullest. Thanks
#52 by Josi Manis on July 24, 2010 at 12:42 p.m.
This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article
#53 by Nancy Getty on July 28, 2010 at 3:38 p.m.
This is a good way to save the resources & making use of natural resources. It will be of great use & will be helpful in reducing pollution. Good suggestion I must say.
#54 by John Smith on August 2, 2010 at 4 a.m.
Well said! If I could write like this I would be well pleased. The more I see articles of such quality as this (which is rare), the more I think there might be a future for the Web. Keep it up, as it were.
#55 by Kleva Sincernikov on August 2, 2010 at 7:18 p.m.
I quite sure that in nearly 10 years electics car will replace the traditional car in our transportation. The use of alternative energy is now trend such as gas or natural gas. I follow up this blogs everyday to see more useful electricity news. Thanks
#56 by David RAUL on August 5, 2010 at 7:07 a.m.
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#57 by Kelly Baby on August 7, 2010 at 1:34 p.m.
I like this post,And I guess that they having fun to read this post,they shall take a good site to make a information,thanks for sharing it to me.
#58 by Alfreda Fingal on August 12, 2010 at 9:07 a.m.
This is a good idea because it could reduce the pollution in the air and could lessen global warming. But it will need a lot of money to build solar public transport. I also have heard this plan a long time ago and in fact read it in articles.
#59 by Proleap Grupi on August 12, 2010 at 2:35 p.m.
Solar panel will be a good idea for saving our earth. We can mixing use with another source energy like electric or gasoline.
this is a good idea
#60 by John Crew on August 14, 2010 at 10:43 a.m.
I read an interesting post regarding how New York City is on of the most energy efficiant cities in the United States. The reasoning behind this is its reliance on public transportation. This is an extremely important concept to utilize solar power and the overall direction that metropolitan cities must take. I run a Speed Dating company and give discounts to participants who bring their bus tickets. Every little bit counts!
#61 by Kelly Baby on August 15, 2010 at 9:46 a.m.
It's an interesting approach. I commonly see unexceptional views on the subject but yours it's written in a pretty unusual fashion. Surely, I will revisit your website for additional info.
#62 by Joan Kelly on August 17, 2010 at 3:09 a.m.
Really informative post - we need more articles like this on the net.
#63 by Makis Kalaos on August 21, 2010 at 10:24 p.m.
I read an interesting post regarding how New York City is on of the most energy efficiant cities in the United States. The reasoning behind this is its reliance on public transportation. This is an extremely important concept to utilize solar power and the overall direction that metropolitan cities must take.
#64 by Wiki Susan on August 24, 2010 at 9:03 p.m.
the most inspiration came from your web-site. Hopefully I will be through with installing it soon and will be able to share some great experience with you! With the best regards.
#65 by Derrick Schwan on August 26, 2010 at 12:31 p.m.
Great idea.. I can say its really interesting for future. Inspiring article.
Thanks for sharing.
#66 by Kalo Paidi on September 1, 2010 at 12:06 p.m.
Like you said at the moment it may just be a dent in the consumption of traditional energy, but every dent counts. Their is not going to be one magical thing we do that will save us from our downward energy spiral, we need to think smart and combine technologies with renewable energies.
#67 by Leonard Broces on September 2, 2010 at 1:40 p.m.
This is very economical and environmental friendly invention.
It can preserve Island Resorts and beautiful spots avoiding air pollution coming from gas.