Simple payback time of semi-flexible monocrystalline silicon solar panel used for solar vehicles

Abstract

In this experimental investigation, simple payback time (SPT) of semi-flexible monocrystalline silicon solar panel used for solar vehicles (SV); a solar car called “Firat Force” and a solar minibus called “Commagene” was determined when replaced with an equal gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE). In addition, SPT of these solar vehicles was also calculated when they operated as electric vehicles (EV) and replaced with an equal gasoline internal combustion engine. These two solar vehicles were used for people transportation about 1000 km in Adiyaman city, Turkey, during one year (June 2010-May 2011) for test. The results of the study showed us that SPT of solar vehicles, Firat Force and Commagene are 11.69 years and 11.56 years, respectively, while their lifetime is 25 years.