Electric Cars With Solar Panels: How They Will Revolutionize Driving

How Have Solar Solar Panels in Electric Cars Evolved?
Solar panel technology has changed significantly since its inception. When they first came onto the consumer scene, they were mostly limited to rooftop installations on buildings. However, their automotive industry application was a natural progression from rooftop solar as we march toward a more sustainable future.

As solar technology advanced, solar arrays became smaller, more flexible, and more efficient. With these advancements, integrating them into electric cars gained traction, giving savvy automakers a promising solution to one of EV’s biggest struggles: overcoming driving range anxiety while reducing carbon emissions.

A big challenge in developing electric cars with solar panels was finding the optimal placement that maximized sunlight exposure without compromising design and aerodynamics. Engineers and designers worked to develop innovative solutions, including integrating solar panels into the car’s roof, hood, or even windows. These advancements improved solar panel efficiency and created a futuristic, eco-friendly vehicle design as a plus.

Ongoing research in solar technology continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. Scientists are exploring new materials and manufacturing techniques to make solar panels and other solar technologies more effective for automotive applications. Some advancements include more flexible solar panels and photovoltaic paint.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Panels on Electric Cars?
You likely know the benefits of solar panels on your home. However, solar panels on an electric car offer numerous advantages too.

Extended Driving Range
The biggest advantage of solar power on electric cars is providing an additional power source while driving. This means the solar panels can extend an EV’s driving range by harnessing sunlight as you make your daily commute.

Charge Anywhere
When you own an electric car, finding a charging station can be difficult in some areas. Electric cars with solar panels can recharge their batteries anywhere they can access sunlight. So, as long as you have an open outdoor parking area, your car can charge while parked without needing a public EV charger.

Higher EV Adoption Rate
One of the biggest issues facing EV adoption is range anxiety — people fear they will not have enough range to get where they are going or access to a charger to continue a longer journey. With solar panels adding to their driving range, more car shoppers are likely to purchase an EV, increasing their adoption rate and helping fuel even more advancements to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Reduced Electricity Costs
Home energy savings is a potentially hidden benefit of an electric car with solar panels. Having solar panels charging your car any time the sun shines helps reduce the cost of EV battery charging at home.

A Big Step Toward Sustainable Transportation
Nationwide, we are making strides toward a more sustainable future, but sustainable transportation always seems a step behind. Even EVs aren’t fully sustainable as they still require energy from an electric grid, which may use fossil fuels to produce energy and will increase your overall carbon footprint.

Integrating solar panels into electric cars is a significant step toward sustainable transportation and increasing our adoption of renewable energy sources.
Spatial Limitations
A vehicle has limited real estate to place solar panels, as a vehicle’s available surface area is considerably smaller than a rooftop. This limited space subsequently limits the solar panels’ power generation capacity.

Lower Panel Efficiency
Flexible solar panels, which are the best option for maintaining design and durability, are far less efficient than standard panels. The top-performing rigid solar panels are 20 to 23% efficient, while flexible panels are only 7 to 13% efficient.

Climate Differences
Other drawbacks of electric cars with solar panels are geographical factors and varying climates. Depending on where the vehicle is located, sunlight exposure and weather conditions can vary significantly. If you live in an area with less-than-ideal conditions, such as prolonged overcast skies or limited daylight hours, you may see less benefit than someone in a sunny area. This can leave some buyers missing out on the bulk of the benefits of owning an electric car with solar panels.

Panel Durability and Lifespan
Solar panel durability and lifespan on electric cars are important considerations. Being mounted on a vehicle means these solar panels get constant exposure to harsh weather conditions and road debris. If you’ve ever had a cracked windshield from a rock, you can imagine what the same rock could do to a solar panel.

On top of this, regular wear and tear from driving can affect the performance and longevity of the panels. The body flexes slightly as the car maneuvers corners, adding stress on these panels.

Manufacturers are continuously researching and developing new materials and protective coatings to enhance solar panel resilience on vehicles, ensuring they can handle daily use over an extended period.