The German solar manufacturer OpesSolutions and the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP have developed a flexible, lightweight, in-vehicle standard solar module that is said to be particularly suitable for truck bikes and electric buses, trucks and
The frameless panel called SolFlex is based on solar cells with an efficiency of 22% and is designed for a high, one-sided thermal load, a flexible solar panel that supplies power to vehicles. The standard product measures 100x100x2.9 mm, weighs 3.4 kg and has a power of 170 W. It has an opening voltage of 24.23 V and a short-circuit current of 9.55 A. The customized panel can achieve up to 600 W and measures 3000 × 1 200 × 2.9 mm.
“In the case of a light commercial vehicle filled with the current electricity mix, integrated solar cells can reduce annual CO2 emissions by up to 890 kg and refrigeration systems they can reduce operating costs by providing electricity to them, “the panel manufacturer said in a statement. It has also been said that in high-roof buses, integrated photovoltaic systems can cover up to 100 percent of the energy requirements of the HVAC system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), which is particularly useful when the engine is stopped.
The module it also has a 15-degree bending radius and a scratch-resistant surface. “Innovative interconnection, integrated bypass diodes and half-cell technology provide optimal yields even with shielding and low irradiation,” the manufacturer explained, adding that the panel can be produced at a lower cost compared to similar products due to the serial production of the plant in Changzhou, China.
Electric cars with PV panels on their body or roof have the potential to drive more than 10 000 km of pure solar energy per year, and the payback period for modules can only be three to four years in a recent Dutch according to a study. However, the 10,000 km range is still difficult for most electric cars currently on the market to achieve due to the current energy efficiency of the vehicles. On the other hand, the benefits of PV integrated in a vehicle are proportional to the level of solar radiation in the area, the demand for electric vehicles and electricity prices.
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