Limited Surface Area: Cars have a limited surface area compared to stationary solar panels. This limits the amount of solar energy that can be collected.
Energy Storage: Solar energy is intermittent and depends on sunlight. Storing this energy in batteries for later use adds weight and complexity to the vehicle.
Energy Requirements: Cars require a significant amount of energy to operate. The energy collected from solar panels alone would be insufficient to power a car for long distances.
Efficiency: Solar panels are not 100% efficient in converting sunlight into electricity. The energy conversion process results in losses, reducing the overall energy output.
Weather Dependency: Solar energy is highly dependent on weather conditions. On cloudy or rainy days, the energy output of solar panels is significantly reduced.
Additional Weight: Adding solar panels to a car increases the vehicle's overall weight, affecting its performance and fuel efficiency.
For these reasons, solar-hybrid cars are not currently practical as a viable alternative to traditional vehicles. While advancements in solar technology may improve the efficiency and energy output of solar panels in the future, challenges remain in making solar-powered vehicles a practical solution for everyday use.