Article image: Example of VIPV in a car: Lightyear prototype One
Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV) is seen as a revolutionary opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of the transport sector and improve public health. This technology involves integrating photovoltaic (PV) modules directly into the structure of vehicles, such as the roof, hood or even windows, allowing vehicles to generate their own electricity from sunlight.
Benefits of VIPV
CO2 emissions compared to internal combustion vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) that charge with grid electricity, especially in countries with a high carbon intensity in electricity generation. Solar-powered EVs can reduce emissions by 60% to 90% compared to grid charging. Furthermore, VIPV can increase the range of EVs by providing an additional power source, which can reduce the need for frequent recharging and improve user convenience. It can also reduce dependence on the electricity grid and increase energy self-sufficiency, which is especially important in remote areas or in emergency situations where grid access may be limited. VIPV can be applied to different types of vehicles, from passenger cars to trucks and buses, making it an adaptable solution to various transportation needs.
Scientific and technical challenges
VIPV has made significant progress in recent years, driven by low PV costs that have boosted the integration of solar cells into multiple applications, by the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and by the strong evolution of the EV market. Therefore, PV modules integrated into vehicles have become a new technology within the PV sector with the corresponding challenges in manufacturing, characterization and operation.
Curved module characterized in IES solar simulator
Energy Efficiency Although solar cells have improved, the amount of energy they can generate in a vehicle is limited by the available area and variable lighting conditions, so the use of high-efficiency cells is preferred. Researchers are working to optimize the design of modules and converters to maximize sunlight capture, with special emphasis on robustness to shadows and their changes (dynamic shading).
Aesthetic and Functional Integration Vehicle manufacturers and designers must find a balance between energy efficiency and vehicle appearance. VIPV modules must be discreet and not compromise the vehicle design, so the modules must be able to have curvatures.
Solar Irradiation The amount of solar energy that a vehicle can capture depends on the available solar irradiation. It is necessary to develop accurate models of solar irradiation in vehicles that take into account, in addition to intrinsic factors of the PV systems such as orientation, inclination, other factors specific to the urban landscape such as sky view and dynamic shading.
Durability and Reliability Vehicles are exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures, vibrations, and impacts. PV modules must be able to withstand these conditions without degrading. This requires the development of more durable materials and the implementation of rigorous testing protocols to assess their long-term performance.
Standards and Homologation Safety and performance standards for VIPV modules need to be established. This will facilitate the homologation of vehicles with VIPV systems and ensure the quality and reliability of the products.
VIPV has the potential to transform the transport sector by reducing emissions, increasing the range of electric vehicles and promoting energy independence. However, current scientific and technical challenges need to be overcome to achieve mass adoption. With research and development such as deployed at IES, VIPV can become an integral part of a more sustainable transport future.
References:
International Energy Agency, “Global EV Outlook 2024,” Global EV Outlook 2024.
“IEA-PVPS-T17 – State of the Art & Expected Benefits of PV-Powered Vehicles,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://iea-pvps.org/key-topics/state-of-the-art-and-expected-benefits-of-pv-powered-vehicles/
K. Araki, L. Ji, G. Kelly, and M. Yamaguchi, “To Do List for Research and Development and International Standardization to Achieve the Goal of Running a Majority of Electric Vehicles on Solar Energy,” Coatings, vol. 8, no. 7, Art. no. 7, Jul. 2018, doi: 10.3390/coatings8070251.
M. Heinrich, “Potential and Challenges of vehicle integrated photovoltaics for passenger cars,” in 37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, 2020.
