Re: Solar DISinformation (WAS: Solar Cells Won't Turn Motors)

["Rick Pryor" <iamaquarius@mindspring.com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sharkey" <sharkey@mrsharkey.com>
To: <ev@listproc.sjsu.edu>
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2002 11:18 AM
Subject: Solar DISinformation (WAS: Solar Cells Won't Turn Motors)


> >change the subject of your science project to "Solar is not here yet,"
>
> Oh Yeah! There's a public service if ever I saw one! Selecting the wrong
> parts to construct any project is a good way to fail. Then you can blame
> the failure on the technology and denounce the entire thing. What if you
> decided to build an EV using a few flashlight batteries and an old vacuum
> cleaner motor, and when it didn't run, announce "EV's are not here yet"?
>

Hi S and Others,

I think in the case of the toy grade solar car kits, the conspiracy has more
to do with the bottom line. I know that many toy companies use sub standard
quality components to up their profits. It is a fact of marketing research
that only a small number of people will actually bother returning a
"defective" $20.00 gadget. Not worth the time and hassle. The reputation of
any company will not be put on the line for the cost of The Phantom Solar
Racer from the two sources that sell it.

Solar powered toys aren't there in some cases from a lack of integrity in
business ethics. Solar Rayce cars prove that much can be done, but the cost
and impracticality of those cars are a hindrance. Still an intriguing facet
of EV development in my mind however.

Congratulations on the success and on-going use of solar energy to recharge
your EV! I have the same type of system, but smaller scale, to recharge the
pack on my ebike. I hesitate to install it from a lack of competence and
confidence in my abilities to do so without jeopardizing the integrity of my
house and the roof.

Rick Pryor