In Germany, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Fraunhofer ISE) has demonstrated that the integration of photovoltaics (PV) into vehicle roofs, hoods and side panels significantly reduces pressure on power grids, reduces charging costs, decreases the need for external charging and provides significant proportions of their energy use.
The researchers found that cars in Central Europe could generate up to 55% of their annual electricity demand and in Southern Europe, the share could rise to 80% (this assumes relatively low annual mileage and large roof surfaces, such as those found on SUVs)
The study found that truck trailers equipped with a roof PV can generate up to 55 kWh per day during summer months. If solar modules are also integrated into the side walls, daily yields could increase to between 90 kWh and 110 kWh, enough to fully power cooling or hydraulic systems.
Source: PV Magazine: Read The Article
PSR Analysis: We have reported about this technology being used on trucks before, and the Toyota Prius even has (or had) and option of a roof mounted solar panel, so all of this is not news, but this is yet more evidence of the way things will probably move in the future., especially with oil prices so high. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
