Solar photovoltaics from Becosolar have been used to power a Landcruiser taking part in a 25,000-mile journey from London to Cape Town to raise money for SolarAid.
The project aims to show both car manufacturers and individuals how solar photovoltaics can be used on the vehicle in order to reduce the impact of climate change.
Ancillary mechanisms on vehicles such as air conditioning, power steering and electricity can use up to 30% of the engine's power.
Solar has been used to power the assisted steering and the cooling fan, as well as additional items needed for the trip such as an air compressor for the tyres, LED and mosquito lights, mobile phones and laptops, the car stereo, cameras and the solar powered kettle.
'We first heard about Becosolar after they supported a solar fridge initiative in Sudan but have since come across some of its work while working in sustainable building for the UK government,' said Gwyn Roberts from the project, commenting on the Over Land in The Sun journey.
'We have been very happy with the results gained from installing the system which has gone beyond our expectations.'
By installing the solar for ancillary equipment the Landcruiser saved about 4% on fuel consumption. Over 22,000 miles so far the solar panels saved 358 litres of fuel and nearly a tonne of CO
2 , the equivalent to a flight from London to Nairobi and approximately the amount needed to heat an average detached home by gas for a month.
The team will produce less CO
2 on the trip than the average person in the UK over the same time period.
SolarAid aims to tackle both climate change and global poverty by bringing clean, renewable power to the poorest people in the world.
The project aims to raise £20,000 for SolarAid while demonstrating an alternative way of how solar can be used to reduce climate change.
Further information is available from Becosolar on 01803 866329 or by emailing info@becosolar.com