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Photovoltaics Integrated in Electrical Vehicles: A Bright Future on the Road
As the world shifts toward cleaner energy sources, the integration of photovoltaics (PV) into electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum. Imagine a car that not only runs on electricity but also generates its own power from the sun. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV) and explore how it’s shaping the future of transportation.
In this blog post, we delve into the world of BIPV, exploring its benefits, challenges, and real-world applications.
What is VIPV?
Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV) refers to the seamless integration of PV modules into the exterior design of vehicles. These solar panels become an integral part of the vehicle, replacing traditional components like the roof or the bonnet.
Advantages of VIPV
Seamless Design: PV modules blend seamlessly into the vehicle’s surface, maintaining aesthetics while harnessing solar energy.
Reduced CO2 Emissions: After the initial cost of fabrication, organic solar cells can last as long as the typical lifetime of an EV, having an overall positive impact.
Higher Efficiency: VIPV recharges the EV directly, without the need to generate elsewhere, convert and transport the electrical energy. Skipping all these processes results in more efficiency, saving money, and reducing the environmental impact of the EV.
Energy Independence: EVs equipped with VIPV can generate their own power, allowing the owner to refuel less frequently.
Increased Kilometers: By generating electricity directly from sunlight, VIPV increases the kilometer autonomy of electric vehicles.
Cost Savings: VIPV reduces the need for grid electricity, resulting in cost savings for charging EVs.
No Compromises: Vitsolc’s Strategy
Traditional photovoltaics can be installed in some parts of the EV, and Vitsolc plans to fill in the gaps. Also, there is no need to sacrifice the panoramic roof for installing a solar panel: With Vitsolc’s transparent solar cells, even a panoramic roof can recharge your battery and help you save on the refueling!
Currently, panoramic roofs are considered a luxury feature in cars, but with the advent of the autonomous car, passengers will be increasingly experiencing the journey, rather than just driving, thus will greatly enjoy the vision through a panoramic roof. There’s no need to say, that this is true also in buses and boats, where the views are pleasant, but the incoming sunlight is often too intense, and a partial shading from a tailored semi-transparent solar cell would be beneficial under all points of view.
Vitsolc’s patented nanophotonic structure increases the efficiency of solar panels at non-optimal orientation, like the horizontal orientation of the EV roof or the vertical one of the side windows. Moreover, organic photovoltaic solar cells have the potential to be extremely lightweight (thinner than a human hair) and preserve the efficiency even at high temperatures, all characteristics that help their integration in EVs.
The Road Ahead
VIPV technology continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development. As solar efficiency improves and costs decrease, we can expect more EVs to harness the power of the sun.
Within this context, Vitsolc Technologies’ transparent photovoltaics are extremely suited to be integrated in sunroofs and rear windows of the vehicles. The transparent solar cells contribute to energy generation of the VIPV while providing a pleasant experience to the passengers.
Keep in mind! VIPV is not just about driving—it’s about driving change.
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