The solar car, is a future bet that we have developed within our vision of conscious company. We know that renewable energy is the most sensible option for the care of our Planet. That is why we have created a solar hybrid car with which we have participated and won the Solar Carrera de Atacama.
The reality of the hybrid solar car
In 2014 we decided to participate with a hybrid solar car in the Atacama Solar Race. To everyone’s surprise, even though it was the first time we participated, our solar car was the winner of the race.
The ‘Carrera Solar Atacama’, is a 1,400 km route that takes place during 5 days in the most arid desert of the planet. In this race more than 20 teams of diverse countries compete in three categories: Hybrids, Classics and Evolution.
The main purpose of this race is to promote research in photovoltaic technology. At the same time, it creates a climate of international collaboration to generate entrepreneurs in the field of mobility. These entrepreneurs arise from the collaboration of different professionals interested in the development of a sustainable type of transport.
Our team opted for the Hybrid category. A hybrid solar car takes its energy from both the human and solar traction. The advantage of this type of vehicle is that it does not need a big financing for its construction, which is a great advantage, since it facilitates the access to clean transportation at low cost.
The conditions of the race itself is difficult; To this we add the work of bringing together a competent and multidisciplinary team to design, build and put into operation a solar car. Our commitment to developing technologies that respect the environment, led to the birth of the Gemini Eco Racing Team.
But how do you build a solar car?
For a solar car to work, the first thing is to design a solar array. This solar array consists of solar cells, which make up a module or solar panel. Each of the photovoltaic solar cells is responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. Electricity is what gives the vehicle autonomy.
This solar array can be arranged in different ways:
- Horizontal. It is the most common way to place it, as it absorbs solar energy for most of the day.
- Vertical: This placement makes possible the solar utilization during certain periods of the day, according to the position of the vehicle.
- Adjustable: This intelligent way of placing the solar array allows you to move the panels in the direction of the sun’s rays.
- Integrated: When the photovoltaic cells cover the entire vehicle.
- Trailer: Used by vehicles with little stability, such as a bicycle.
- Remote: The matrix is not located in the vehicle.
Each of these different ways of placing the solar array in the vehicle affects its power, autonomy and efficiency.
In addition to the solar array, a solar car needs a battery and an electric motor. In addition to the technical part, there is the design of the vehicle, whose importance is key when creating a prototype more or less aerodynamic.
In the case of the hybrid solar car, in addition to solar panels, motor, battery and design; Human intervention encourages energy production. In this sense the hybrid car gains autonomy and at the same time saves on investment.
The experience of building a solar hybrid car from scratch and putting it into operation has been very rewarding. This project shows us that it is possible to innovate in the world of mobility in a sustainable way.
For this reason, we hope that more and more governments and innovation companies will support this type of initiative, creating a more conscious and sustainable future for all.
