Summary

According to Kok in the article ”Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels” (2021), Go-ahead Singapore will be running ultra-thin solar panels on buses in a six month trial. The 1.6mm-thick, flexible and shatterproof panels are placed on the roof of two Man A22 euro 6 diesel-powered buses. The use of panels are expected to save 1400 litres of fuel. This is equivalent to 3-4% of fuel which translates to 3.7 tonnes of reduction in carbon emissions. These figures are based on data collected from a trial in Southampton. The trial will also assess the effectiveness of the panels. Kok mentions that due to Singapore’s tropical climate, the panels are expected to produce exceptional results. This will result in a greener and more efficient bus. Two buses have been qualified thus far and can be used on public road trials. The panels are also three times thinner than regular ones, making them ultra-lightweight. Kok concludes that Go-Ahead reckons to recover the cost in four years from the reduction in fuel consumption. In Singapore today, the high usage of diesel and other fuels in vehicles has caused high levels of air pollution. The installation of solar panels on buses would make a beneficial impact on air quality by lowering carbon emissions and it would reduce fuel consumption, enhancing the environment.

Reference

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/first-public-buses-with-solar-panels-hit-the-road-in-six-month-trial-by-go-ahead