FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Why don't planes have solar panels on the wings?
Old Dec 15, 2012 | 1:19 pm
  #1  
roberino
1M
40 Countries Visited
60 Nights
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: South Yorkshire, UK
Programs: VS Silver
Posts: 2,478
Why don't planes have solar panels on the wings?

I've been wondering recently why planes don't have solar panels on their wings. I mean, into the structure of the surface of the wings, thereby functioning as the lifting surface and an energy generator. My minimal knowledge of engineering and solar cell technology leaves me assuming that it is because the weight outweighs any potential harvest of energy. Anyone know any better than me, please comment...
roberino is offline