A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by a type of renewable energy, by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the surface (generally, the roof) of the vehicle. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert the Sun's energy directly into electrical energy. Solar vehicles are not practical day-to-day transportation devices at present, but are primarily demonstration vehicles and engineering exercises, often sponsored by government agencies.
Solar cars combine technology typically used in the aerospace, bicycle, alternative energy and automotive industries. The design of a solar vehicle is severely limited by the energy input into the car (batteries and power from the sun). Virtually all solar cars ever built have been for the purpose of solar car races (with notable exceptions).
Solar cars are powered by the sun's energy. The main component of a solar car is its solar array, which collect the energy from the sun and converts it into usable electrical energy. The solar cells collect a portion of the sun's energy and stores it into the batteries of the solar car.
The car weighs in at around 400 kilograms with two occupants ballasted to 80kg each and uses mainly carbon fibre throughout its construction. It also uses aluminium, kevlar and carbon kevlar composite parts, this is what makes it possible to build such a lightweight vehicle.
As far as suspension and steering goes this car is very similar to any road car, however, it is all machined from aluminium making it very light. The wheels are made from carbon fibre and use Michelin low rolling resistance solar car tyres.
