New flexible solar module factory begins operations in the UK
Operated by UK start-up Power Roll, the pilot factory will reach a capacity of 30 MW by year end. The manufacturer uses low-cost roll-to-roll manufacturing processes and patented microgroove patterns to produce flexible solar panels intended for applications on warehouses and agricultural sheds whose roofs are not strong enough for conventional arrays as well as in vehicle-integrated photovoltaics.
DHL deploys solar in fleet trucks
International express shipper DHL is topping its trucks with solar to limit fuel usage by powering lift gates and ancillary devices.
Mercedes’ newest electric car comes with thin crystalline solar cells on the roof
The solar roof was developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.
Massless battery for applications in vehicle-integrated solar
Swedish scientists have developed a structural battery that purportedly offers “massless” storage, as its weight vanishes when it becomes part of the load-bearing structure. The device has an energy density of 24 Wh/kg and is designed for easy integration into solar-powered vehicles.
Your next package delivery could be solar powered
There is still much to debate over the benefits of moving a vehicle via solar, but the market has been getting creative and is evolving quickly.
Vehicle-integrated PV for heavy-duty trucks
A German consortium is testing an 18-ton electric truck covered with a 3.5 kW PV system. The solar modules were designed by scientists at the Fraunhofer ISE and produced by German manufacturer Sunset Energietechnik GmbH. The panels are equipped with a special separation device that is able to disconnect the panels in case of an accident.
Solar-powered delivery van with 400 km range
Swedish start-up Clean Motion is seeking to commercialize an electric delivery van that is also powered by IBC solar modules placed on its roof. The vehicle is claimed to have a 400 km range, of which up to 130 km are provided by the PV array.
PV-powered mobile home with 730km range
Solar Team Eindhoven has developed an experimental mobile house that is powered exclusively by vehicle-integrated PV and is claimed to achieve a range of 730km, on a sunny day and at a, moderate speed of up to 85kph. The vehicle is equipped with a foldable PV system that can be unfolded and produce more power when the vehicle is not in motion.
Megawatt-scale, solar-powered EV truck charging
WattEV will build 1 MW solar-powered chargers to deliver 320 miles (515 km) of range to Class 8, 80,000-pound trucks in 30 minutes.
Flexible solar panel for vehicle-integrated applications
Called SolFlex, the frameless panel is based on 22%-efficient solar cells and is designed for high, one-sided heat load. The standard product measures 100x100x2.9cm, weighs in at 3.4kg, and has a power output of 170 W.
