Summary Reader Response - Solar Panel Buses (D)

In the article “Go-Ahead Singapore carries out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels,” Kok (2021) reported that Go-Ahead Singapore (GAS), has experimented with public buses fitted with solar panels of 1.6mm thickness roaming the streets of Pasir Ris. The trial lasted from March to September on the backs of two Man A22 buses to study, the panel's benefits, efficiency, how it performs under harsh temperature settings and regular bus washings. 

The panels are capable of supplying 1000 watts of energy to the battery while being as light as 20kg. The battery is used for ignition and to supply power when the engine is turned off and was previously dependent on the bus' alternator. The presence of panels will thus reduce the load on the bus engines, and based on data from Southampton in the UK, save 4000 litres of diesel and reduce 3.7 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.  

GAS managing director Thompson was stated being hopeful that the panels could potentially be fitted on more gas and electric buses based on the calculated savings. He was quoted thanking LTA for their collaborative efforts and their support in loaning the buses for this experiment.

In summary, this trial is expected to be successful and expand, given how the cost of the trial itself could be recuperated within just four years.