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Hah, an interesting question and certainly not stupid at all! A quick Google search [1] suggests that a (standard?) solar panel absorbs ~2/3s of the light, so
by aemreunal 6y ago
Hah, an interesting question and certainly not stupid at all!
A quick Google search [1] suggests that a (standard?) solar panel absorbs ~2/3s of the light, so it probably reflects enough to make out the car on the road. But the question actually becomes valid and important once we discover solar panel material that can absorb even more light (think Vantablack-like absorption).
Very good question!
[1]: https://news.rpi.edu/luwakkey/2507 https://news.rpi.edu/luwakkey/2507, search for "absorbs 67.4 percent" on the page
- Ekaros 6y agoI wouldn't be worried at that point. Actual black blobs are very rare in nature and we would certainly notice them during periods when there is some light. Now, nights when they are parked is good example when likely good reflectors need to be mandated.
- BrissyCoder 6y agoAsked the question half in jest, half expecting some interesting answers. A cursory search suggests that darker coloured cars do indeed get in more accidents: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/programs/nsw-country-hour/2013-08-12/dark-cars-hard-to-see/4880246#:~:text=Black%20cars%20are%20up%20to,involved%20in%20crashes%2C%20research%20shows.&text=A%2020%2Dyear%20study%20revealed,yellow%20to%20be%20the%20safest https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/programs/nsw-country-hour/....