Summary Reader Response Draft 1

The article “Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels”, Kok (2021, March)

discusses the “proof of concept trial” conducted by Go Ahead Singapore, using solar panels on the roof of their

buses from March - September 2021. The article highlighted the features and uses of the ultra-thin solar panels

that aim to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption by utilizing solar energy.

The 16mm-thick pliable panels designed to resist shattering weighs under 20kg which is a third of what conventional

solar panels weigh. According to Go-Ahead Singapore engineering director Leonard Lee, "Typically, solar panels are

big and very heavy. So if you install them on top of the bus, (there will be concerns). The ones that we use are

ultra-thin and very lightweight. So, we have no issues in this aspect." Due to the hot and humid climate in Singapore,

the solar panels are able to absorb solar energy effectively. The panels generate 1000 watts of energy to charge the

buses’ batteries instead of depending on it’s alternator.  According to data from a trial that was conducted in

Southampton in 2019, the trial has resulted in saving 1,400 liters of diesel and 3.7 tonnes of emissions per bus

annually.

Reference:

Auto, H. (2021, March 30). Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/first-public-buses-with-solar-panels-hit-the-road-in-six-month-trial-by-go-ahead