Solar Buses
Solar Power
NOLS on the Road Declares Energy Independence: Solar Power
The bus is rigged with solar panels to power our audio/visual equipment, lights, computers and refrigerators. There are eight solar panels on the bus' roof, and these produce electricity that is stored in batteries inside the bus. An inverter changes the voltage for different appliances—fans and interior lights run on a 12-volt system, while everything else runs on 110 volts.
The system, of course, depends on the sun, but even on a cloudy day the bus can collect solar energy. The batteries can store up to two days of power—even more if used conservatively. This comes in handy when the bus is parked inside convention centers at conferences, sometimes for three or four days.
Solar power is becoming a popular solution to meet our energy needs right at home. The same system installed on the NOLS Bus is used in many homes and offices.The NOLS Bus' custom system was designed by a local Wyoming business run by NOLS instructors--Creative Energies, suppliers of solar and wind energy solutions to homes and businesses around the West.
The NOLS Solar-Powered Theater
Each evening the movie screen comes down and the projectors come out as the NOLS solar-powered theater comes to life. Powered entirely by solar energy collected during the day, the NOLS theater features the NOLS movie, “The Expedition,” sneak previews of the upcoming NOLS television series, and NOLS alumni expedition slide shows.
Solar-Powered Information Stations
Inside the bus three computer stations, a DVD player and TV provide more information about NOLS, alternative energy and wilderness. Entirely powered by solar energy, the NOLS bus illustrates the school's educational message of environmental protection, whether in far off wild places, or right on the road.
The Adelaide City Council has raised the standard in International sustainability with the introduction of the world’s first solar-powered electric bus.
It’s the first electric solar bus is recharged using 100% solar energy, and is a free everyday service for the people of Adelaide through the Council’s Adelaide Connector Bus service.
Manufactured by New Zealand company Designline International, the bus doesn’t have a combustion engine, which makes it a very quiet, zero emissions vehicle.It features high quality, state-of-the-art components sourced from some of theworld’s leading transport and technology companies including MAN and Siemens.And in a further ‘green’ development being introduced by the Adelaide City Council, the bus will be recharged using a solar photovoltaic system supplied by BP Solar and installed at the soon-to-be-completed Adelaide Central Bus Station.
This system is the largest grid connected solar photovoltaic system in the State,and means the bus is also carbon neutral.
The air-conditioned solar electric bus can carry up to 42 passengers, with 25 standard seats, two seats especially designed for disabled passengers, and roomfor 15 standing passengers.
The solar electric bus and the recharging system at the Adelaide Central Bus Station represent a significant investment by the Adelaide City Council into a sustainable future for the City of Adelaide, while providing leadership in sustainable public transport options for cities around Australia.
posted @ 11:12 PM |