In-Car Solar Panels - Increase the Efficiency of Today's Hybrid Cars

In-car solar panels work much in the same way that solar panels are used on the rooftops of residences and businesses. They are usually mounted on the roof of a car to collect sunlight and make use of photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert that sunlight into electricity. In the prototype solar cars first built by manufacturers and universities, the solar panels were often too large for consumer cars. However, as solar cell design and vehicle power supply requirements develop, solar panels are becoming thinner while harnessing more power. In addition, the batteries storing the electricity generated are becoming more efficient.

Companies such as Solar Electrical Vehicles retro-fit hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius, Highlander Hybrid, and the Ford Escape Hybrid with convex solar roofs. The solar panels are 200-300 watts and charge a supplemental battery. The Toyota Prius, for example, runs 20 miles daily in electric mode, improving cost-efficiency by 29%. The in-car solar panel systems cost about $2,000-$4,000. While the initial investment is expensive, it is estimated that it will pay for itself in terms of fuel savings in as little as two years. Furthermore, adding a higher capacity battery extends gas-free driving by ten more miles a day.

Currently, in-car solar panels are in a conceptual/developmental stage. They are not useful for day-to-day transportation and have been used primarily for demonstrations. In fact, most solar powered cars will most likely rely on external sources (such as the solar panels on house or building rooftops) to recharge its batteries and power transportation. Meanwhile, the in-car solar panels in prototypes are planned to power the small stuff such as radios, air conditioners and other panel electronics.

With gas prices rising and the ever-present waste produced by anything running on fossil-fuels, many car companies and many consumers are looking into cars that can run on electricity alone. Since hybrid cars are incredible efficient, consuming only the same amount of electricity to light a 150 watt bulb in one hour to run one kilometer, in-car solar panels can already significantly improve gasoline fuel efficiency.