vehicle-integrated photovoltaics

Opes Solar Mobility has opened a 12,000-square-meter facility near Leipzig, Germany, to produce flexible photovoltaic modules for commercial and recreational vehicles, supplying partners across Europe, Africa, and South America.

Researchers at the University of Miyazaki in Japan used a new non-destructive method to enable them to investigate solar cell vibrations independently of module components. The study included potential design features for resonance-resistant vehicle integrated PV modules that would increase the natural resonance frequency to above 2,000 Hz.

The two Italian companies said their new modules use a fully recyclable sticker that can help to improve aesthetics and turn the panels into advertising billboards. The panels use 24%-efficient interdigitated back-contact solar cells from Maxeon.

Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE have tested glass fiber-reinforced polymer as a front cover material vehicle integrated PV modules, finding that it has the potential to reduce weight by 44% to 74 % compared to conventional glass-covered modules. Experimental devices withstood hail tests, avoiding cell cracking after impact.

Austrian researchers developed a model to quantify the benefits of vehicle integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) on the energy needs of three different sizes of electric vehicle in the city of Graz, Austria, particularly the effect on battery energy and vehicle mileage.

Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Madrid have validated a model to simulate solar resources for vehicle integrated PV in urban settings, taking into account reflections and shadows of buildings and objects.

A European consortium of commercial and research groups is developing lighter weight, solar-powered, cost-conscious, three and four-wheel prototype vehicles for passengers and cargo. The $13.4 million project aims for a platform that has standardized components, including the battery, powertrain, and solar PV parts, as well as support for end-of-life, maintenance, and refurbishment.

Researchers in Slovenia have built a monitoring system for vehicle-integrated photovoltaics consisting of an IV curve scanner that uses a MOSFET as a voltage-controlled electronic load. The system also utilizes an 18-bit analog-to-digital converter and a microchip microcontroller.

In its first monthly column for pv magazine, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) explains how a team of its experts is currently working on the definition of new standards for VIPV systems.

Canadian custom module manufacturer Capsolar developed a vehicle integrated PV system (VIPV) for an electric material towing application, reportedly enabling 30% to 40% range increase per battery charge.