As an ardent supporter and expert in the field of solar energy, I’m excited to share with you some riveting developments about vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV). It’s a rapidly evolving avenue where solar power meets seamless aesthetics, offering functionality and environmental consideration with an intensified focus on passenger vehicles.
Those in the solar industry, especially the solar companies at the forefront of advancing technology, are exploring ways to incorporate solar panels for your home and now, your vehicles too. A recent survey of 110 transport and PV experts by the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS) revealed certain technical requirements critical for VIPV to transition from a niche to a mainstream option.
An interesting takeaway from the survey was the focus on aesthetics. The PV yield – how efficient the solar panels are at converting sunlight into usable energy – was viewed as an area where users might be willing to concede for superior vehicle aesthetics. Transcending the plain and simple, the solar array for home and vehicles now tends to lean towards crystalline silicon (c-Si) with a no-visible metal design promising a sleek appeal.
The dominant role of c-Si is expected to be shared with tandem and thin film technology by 2030, thus widening the landscape of solar technology. The emphasis, however, on minimal visibility of metal on front-side cells, and the preference for glass on roof components indicates a major aesthetic consideration in VIPV design.
Moreover, an affordably priced VIPV system is seen as an important goal, with the cost of VIPV systems, manufacturing, and installation costs expected to decrease by as much as 60% by 2030.
Key vehicle aspects such as color, charging frequency, were considered, but efficiency, increased mileage per year, and vehicle range extension were ranked highest, underscoring the significance of function over aesthetics. Interestingly, users expressed a willingness to sacrifice an average of 24.2% performance for an expanded color selection other than the default black or dark blue.
The findings also revealed a consensus on the minimum power conversion efficiency of at least 20% to 22%, with an output ranging from 600W to 660W, on an available area of 3 m^2. One intervention that holds promise is the development of spot repairs for visible damage and replacement parts for complete body performance failures.
Indeed, the goal of integrating solar arrays with passenger vehicles is none other than providing an efficient and eco-friendly transport solution while enhancing PV market expansions and reducing CO2 emissions. The continued efforts and research by leading solar companies are indeed making the dream of solar panel integration in transit a tangible reality.
For anyone interested in the world of solar energy, it’s a narrative that holds a lot of promise and a ton of exciting possibilities. Indeed, the future of transport looks to be sunny!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/04/vehicle-integrated-photovoltaics-making-the-moves-from-niche-to-mainstream/
