Summary reader response draft 1

Summary

The article “Go-Ahead Singapore rolls out 6-month trial of public buses with solar panels” by Kok (2021) introduces two “Man A22 Euro 6 diesel-powered buses” owned by LTA fitted with solar panels going on trial in Singapore with the approval from LTA and compliance to safety tests. With the support from LTA, the trial runs will begin on March 30 with the purpose to evaluate the effectiveness of the solar panels and its performance under high temperature and daily cleaning routines. Instead of alternators, “these 1.6mm-thick, flexible and shatterproof panels” will supply energy to the battery on the buses for its intended purposes, thus reducing fuel usage and carbon emissions. The solar panels are expected to have a better performance in Singapore’s tropical climate and will be fitted onto more buses when the benefits are established. The weight of the solar panels on the roofs of the bus is not a concern as it is 3 times lighter than the standard solar panels. Weekly inspections will be carried out followed by a final review to establish the “appropriate inspection schedule”.

Reference: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/first-public-buses-with-solar-panels-hit-the-road-in-six-month-trial-by-go-ahead