Types of solar cars

A solar car is a vehicle powered by an electric motor powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the surface of the car, which differentiates them from solar charging cars, which uses renewable electricity that is obtained outside the vehicle. Photovoltaic cells convert the sun's energy directly to electricity, which can either be stored in electric batteries or used directly by the motor.

Those that can work practically with the Sun

Some solar cars, the most "pure" are those that can work practically with the Sun, without hardly requiring a battery. This type has the logical disadvantage that if it goes through places with shadows or if it clouds it greatly reduces its possibilities or stops. Basically this type of vehicle is only built for large solar rallies because they are not very useful in everyday life due to their large size.

Those who use the panels to accumulate energy

Those who use the panels to accumulate energy in one or several batteries and the motor feeds them, the panels provide a large part of the energy required for its operation. It is the most common type of car to allow a wingspan more in line with the usual dimensions.

Electric vehicles with additional solar charge

Electric cars that carry a small panel as much to keep the battery or make small recharges and are basically charged from the power grid. For this type of vehicle to be considered solar it is essential that there is an installation in the place of recharging solar energy that provides the necessary energy. It can be an autonomous installation (with batteries) or with connection to the electrical grid that is more efficient, in this way although the moments of insolation do not coincide with the hours of recharging the car the energy balance final is what counts.