3 ms·
Seems like an odd complaint to me. What happens if your mirror gets hit by a rock on the highway? Or the front windshield? The solar panel is just another part
by nexuist 7y ago
Seems like an odd complaint to me. What happens if your mirror gets hit by a rock on the highway? Or the front windshield? The solar panel is just another part of the vehicle that can be damaged, no?
If your car is being assaulted by solid objects at highway speeds so often that it becomes a serious concern to factor into your next car purchase, I very strongly suggest moving somewhere safer.
- adrianN 7y agoCracks on windshields and dinged paint are cheaper to repair than high efficiency solar panels.
- kchamplewski 7y agoThat's only assuming the external glass of the panel cannot be replaced without also replacing the actual energy generating panel beneath.
- dredmorbius 7y agoWindows ... generally ... aren't high-power electrical equipment. Solar cells aren't simply inert panels of glass or silicon, but circuits of cells for which damage may affect a large portion of a panel. Solar panels as it is suffer degredation and a lifespan of ~20-25 years, in stationary mounts, due to sunlight, UV, wind, rain, hail, sand, dust, stones, and other forms of degradation. Road debris, rocks, falling tree limbs, pine cones, other vehicles, birds, insects, and more, could impact or degrade solar panels. A chipped windshield can be filled or replaced, at fairly modest cost. Trailing-edge rear windows might have integrated defogger wires or radio aerials, generally front glazing doesn't. Solar panels are rather more fussy. Body nicks and dings can be effectively ignored. PV damage, not so much.