An IEA PVPS report sees VIPV and SEVs as promising technologies for disaster relief efforts globally
Using Monte Carlo modeling, the researchers show that community energy sharing from SEVs could help maintain essential services during prolonged outages, unlike fixed infrastructure
A case study of SolaronTop found that VIPV systems could generate 30–45 kWh daily, enough to support critical emergency services
Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) and solar electric vehicles (SEVs), by way of providing decentralized and flexible power support, are promising technologies to improve energy resilience during natural disasters and extended grid outages, says the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS).
Kenji Araki of the University of Miyazaki, Japan, who is the lead author of the report VIPV as Energy Sources in Disaster Zones 2026, explains, “VIPV and SEVs combine mobility, energy generation and storage in a single system, offering a new approach to distributed disaster resilience.”
Unlike stationary systems, SEVs can generate electricity independently, relocate to areas with stronger sunlight, and transport both energy and supplies to affected communities. Solar PV-equipped vehicles could support evacuation centers, medical shelters, communication systems, and other critical services when conventional infrastructure is disrupted.
Both VIPV and SEVs offer several advantages over battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fixed PV systems during disasters. Compared to their reliance on stable logistics, intact infrastructure, and accessible charging sites, VIPV and BEVs can generate electricity even when unattended. These help reduce dependence on damaged grid infrastructure, and are also compatible with community-based, voluntary energy-sharing models, it adds.
The report used Monte Carlo-based modeling to assess the resilience of these solutions under varying conditions such as weather changes, infrastructure damage, and human behavior.
Simulations by the team showed that around 1,000 SEVs within a 5 km radius could sustain temporary critical facilities such as medical shelters, cooling systems, and mobile charging stations through voluntary energy sharing.
The analysis also found that more than 450 SEVs within a 5 km radius could sustain evacuation center operations for 7 days, even when vehicle owners prioritized personal energy needs.
However, incentive-based energy-sharing systems could improve long-term participation and strengthen resilience at the community level. The study highlighted that SEV mobility allows vehicles to collect solar energy in sunny locations and deliver power to multiple relief points in a single day. Distributed mobile PV systems reduce the risk of failure compared with fixed installations, as they can be relocated while maintaining energy production.
The IEA PVPS shares a case study on the SolaronTop VIPV system, developed by the Dutch renewable energy startup IM Efficiency. It transforms standard trucks and trailers into mobile solar power units by installing high-efficiency PV modules on the surfaces.
Over the 12-month period from January 2024 to December 2024, SolaronTop demonstrated daily energy generation ranging from 30 kWh to 45 kWh, including during winter conditions in Miyazaki, Japan. The report said this was sufficient to support telecommunications, lighting, refrigeration, and water purification, while also offering operational advantages over diesel generators.
The report writers argue that VIPV and SEVs could become important components of flexible and distributed emergency energy networks in regions vulnerable to earthquakes, typhoons, landslides, and prolonged power disruptions.
The complete report is available for free download on the IEA PVPS website.
Related recent research work led by Fraunhofer ISE on the potential of VIPV found that large-scale deployment of solar-equipped passenger vehicles could lower electricity demand from the European grid by 15.6 TWh annually by 2030 (see Vehicle-Integrated Solar Could Help Reduce Future Grid Demand).