German scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems ISE have created a prototype solar car with PV cells integrated into the standard tin hood using in-house MorphoColor technology which enables the cells to match the color of the vehicle. It is now looking for project partners to pursue joint development of the idea.
The team used either IBC, PERC shingle or TOPCon shingle solar cells for the prototype to cover the curved sheet metal hood of the car, then laminating them.
The team claims using a sheet metal base, instead of a classic foil or glass backing for the hood PV module is also special as they arrived at the specific combination after exploring several adhesion properties with different materials.
"We applied the solar cells to the sheet metal hood of a car model that is often sold in Germany, connected them and laminated them with foil," said Coordinator for PV mobility at Fraunhofer ISE Dr. Martin Heinrich. "To achieve this, the lamination process has been carefully optimized to minimize air gaps, avoid wrinkling of the film module due to the curved surface, and maintain the overall integrity of the hood structure."
It created several prototypes with different solar cell and circuit technologies and different number of solar cells as part of the research work carried under European Union's HighLite project.
The one with 120 PERC shingle solar cells with a rated output of 115W in MorphoColor gray will be exhibited at the IAA MOBILITY event in Munich later this year.
"The technology could also be used for metal roofs of vehicles. That would have the advantage of being much lighter than photovoltaic car roofs made of glass," according to Head of Power Solutions at Fraunhofer ISE, Dr. Harry Wirth.
Swiss manufacturer Megasol acquired the MorphoColor license from Fraunhofer ISE in April 2023 (see Colored Solar Modules License For Megasol).
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