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Researchers from Fraunhofer ISE and project partners evaluated the potential of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) using data from 23 vehicle types and 1.3 million km of driving
The study found that solar-equipped passenger vehicles could generate up to 55% of their annual energy demand in Central Europe and up to 80% in Southern Europe
Large-scale deployment of VIPV in new vehicles could reduce electricity demand from Europe’s grid by 15.6 TWh annually by 2030
Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to play a central role in Europe’s energy transition, but their growing numbers will also increase electricity demand. Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) are being explored to offset part of this demand by generating electricity directly on vehicles.
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, together with partners including TNO, Sono Motors, Lightyear, and IM Efficiency, have released findings from the European SolarMoves project. The initiative explores the role of VIPV in future mobility systems across Europe.
The team analyzed data from 23 vehicle categories ranging from compact passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. The analysis combined vehicle operation data with satellite and meteorological information to estimate the solar energy generation potential of different vehicle types. The analysis was based on more than 1.3 million km of driving data collected from sensor-equipped vehicles.
They found that the benefits of VIPV depend largely on where and how a vehicle is used. Passenger cars operating in Central Europe could meet up to 55% of their annual energy demand through integrated solar modules, while the figure could reach 80% in Southern Europe.
The logistics sector emerged as a particularly promising application area. Trucks offer significantly larger roof areas for solar integration and consume substantial amounts of electricity for auxiliary systems such as refrigeration units, heating equipment, and onboard electronics. According to the findings, integrated solar modules could extend the daily driving range of electric trucks by up to 15%.
The project also evaluated solar-equipped truck trailers. Rooftop solar modules can generate up to 55 kWh of electricity per day during summer. Adding solar modules to the sidewalls can increase daily generation to 90-110 kWh, enough to power refrigeration or hydraulic systems.
Looking beyond individual vehicles, Fraunhofer ISE estimates that widespread adoption of VIPV could significantly reduce demand on Europe’s electricity network. Its analysis suggests that equipping all newly registered vehicles between 2024 and 2030 with integrated solar modules would lower grid electricity demand by 15.6 TWh in 2030. This is equivalent to the annual electricity production of approximately 2,200 onshore wind turbines rated at 3 MW each, says Fraunhofer.
“Electrification alone is not enough. We need innovations that structurally reduce energy demand. VIPV is exactly this,” said Lenneke Slooff-Hoek, SolarMoves project manager at TNO.
Based on the findings, the research consortium recommends incorporating VIPV into the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) to recognize associated CO2 reductions and electricity savings. The researchers also call for a European framework that recognizes VIPV within the Renewable Energy Directive and supports the development of solar-capable parking infrastructure.
The SolarMoves project builds on earlier Fraunhofer ISE research into solar energy generation on vehicles. Previous assessments indicated that roof-integrated photovoltaics on electric cars could generate around 460 kWh annually under European operating conditions, corresponding to approximately 3,000 km of additional driving range per year.
