In today’s world, sustainable transit is a critical necessity for our planet’s future. As we witness the impacts of climate change, transitioning to cleaner transportation options has become a necessity. One of the most promising avenues is the integration of solar power into various modes of transportation, such as electric buses. Solar power is no longer confined to rooftops or remote solar farms. It has made its way into the realm of public transportation, offering a sustainable and efficient energy solution.
negative byproducts
Conventional diesel-powered buses are a major source of environmental pollution. They emit harmful pollutants into the air, such as nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons. These pollutants contribute to respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health problems. In addition, diesel buses produce a significant amount of noise pollution, which can disrupt sleep and reduce quality of life.
Case Studies
This shift toward more sustainable transportation practices is happening worldwide. For example, Phoenix Renewables, based in Maiduguri, Nigeria, has converted gasoline mini buses to electric vehicles. The energy source is Nigeria’s plentiful sunshine, captured by over 150 solar panels across 10 electric buses and 50 tricycles. Each bus takes about 35 minutes to reach a 150-kilometer or 93-mile range. Although the fleet is small, these advancements are a more affordable, reliable, and cleaner alternative to gasoline or diesel-powered buses.


Another example, closer to home, is at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where students and staff have created a project that equips bus shelters with solar panels and real-time arrival information screens. This initiative is phased, with 20 shelters receiving the upgrades in 2023 and an ambitious goal of adding them to 37 more by 2025. One interesting challenge the project faced was incorporating solar panels onto the curved roofs of the bus shelters. However, the innovative design proved successful, resulting in a system that is not only environmentally friendly but also aesthetically pleasing. This project serves as a model for other universities and municipalities looking to integrate renewable energy into public transportation infrastructure while enhancing the rider experience.
more solar innovation
The innovation does not stop when it comes to integrating renewable energy into public transportation systems. According to EnGoPlanet, there has been an influx of solar bus shelters, solar benches, and solar street lights. These solar-powered systems contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering pollution levels. Additionally, they offer economic benefits by lowering operational costs for public transportation providers. For instance, solar benches provide a convenient place for people to wait while charging their phones. Solar streetlights can also be particularly useful in areas lacking access to a conventional power grid.
According to BlastPoint, the top 5 cities leading the charge in battery-powered bus fleets are:
- Denver, Colorado
- Portland, Oregon
- Austin, Texas
- Toronto, Ontario
- New York, New York
Looking forward
The future of public transportation is green however, there is still a lot of work to do. According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development, about 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, but only half have convenient access to public transportation. Solar energy and other renewable resources are used for powering buses, trains, and other public transit vehicles. Investing in sustainable transit can create a cleaner, healthier future for everyone.
You can start by making an investment in your life and home by contacting Everlight today to be a part of the solution.