Summary Draft 2

According to the article “Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar

panels”(2021), a trial on 2 buses that had 1.6mm thick, pliable and toughened solar panels

fitted on their rooftops was carried out. These panels that weigh less than 20kg are expected

to save 1400 litres of diesel annually. This amounts to around 3-4% of the usual fuel

consumption which translates to carbon emissions being reduced by 3.7 tonnes per

individual bus.

The panels used to charge the battery on the buses will take the load off the vehicle’s

alternator, thus reducing strain on the engine. The trial aims to assess the performance of the

solar panels as well as appraise their efficiency and tolerance.

Singapore’s sunny climate makes the usage of solar panels more viable. Managing director of

Go-Ahead Singapore hopes to install them on more buses as it is a more

environmentally-friendly way to increase the efficiency of diesel buses.

The panels are ultra-thin and more lightweight as they are 3 times thinner than traditional

solar panels. The panels have gone through meticulous safety assessments and weekly

inspections in the first 2 months.

Go-Ahead Singapore estimates that within 4 years, they will recover their initial costs from the

savings made from reducing fuel consumption.

Thesis statement

The installation of solar panels is a beneficial decision made by Go-Ahead Singapore as solar

panels help to reduce bus fuel consumption and in turn help to save fuel cost.

Reference:

Yen Teing