Electric Vehicles with Innovative Solar Roof Integration Options

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Aussies To Take Advantage of Electric Vehicle With Solar Panel Roof

Have you ever thought of adding solar panels to your Electric Vehicle (EV)? An increasing number of Aussies today have rooftop solar panels installed on their properties, showing the eagerness of many homeowners and business owners to shift towards renewable energy.

In addition, Australia has a net zero goal to achieve by 2050, and the whole country is right on track with the growing number of renewable energy projects in every state, and with more EVs seen on the roads.

So far, the EVs we see on the roads dont disappointfrom Tesla, Polestar, BMW, Hyundai, and more. They all have impressive features, but have you ever seen an EV with solar panels on its roof?

The Genesis Electrified G80 is the first of its kind as the sedan comes with a solar roof panel, which is designed to add approximately 1,100km of driving range in a year.

Solar roof panel on an EV

The Genesis G80 EVs rooftop solar array is built from a photovoltaic silicon material that produces power that is delievered to the EVs 87.2kWh battery when driving or parked; thats like charging the vehicle minus the plug. It can also charge the G80s low-voltage 12V battery, which will add more power to the EVs features, such as its air-conditioning.

When the panel receives sufficient sunlight, it will produce energy that can power two 100W bulbs or 11 LED fluorescent lamps.

Genesis

Genesis is one of the latest luxury brands to enter Australia. They have introduced new models that include two electric vehiclesand one of them is a G80. You can see the status of the rooftop panel on the charging screen with a panel above the G80.

The Genesis also has other green features, such as its hidden charging port in the front grill. You wont be able to see it until you need to use it, and once at a rapid charger, the post can be pushed open.

Solar roofs on EVs: how effective are they?

Putting a solar roof on an EV has plenty of benefits. One, it can extend the driving range and supply more power during the day. Another thing is that solar cells on an EV can reduce power draw on hot sunny days from the AC.

The charging costs will also be reduced because the solar panel on the roof can charge itself while the sun is out, and it will also let the battery pack charge even without a grid connection. Thus, this can also protect the battery as it will prevent its charge level from dropping too low when not in use. EV owners can also use the vehicle as a power source during a blackout.

On the other hand, a solar roof on an EV also comes with disadvantages. An obvious disadvantage is that an EV with solar cells will be more costly.

Still, when you weigh the pros and cons of a solar roof on an EV, its apparent that it is worth it.

Energy Matters has over 17 years of experience in the solar industry and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.

Complete our quick Solar Quote Quiz to receive up to 3 FREE solar quotes from trusted local installers itll only take you a few minutes and is completely obligation-free.

A limit on solar cells

One thing to remember is that there is a limit to the number of solar cells installed on a vehicle. For example, the Genesis G80, a sedan, can fit only approximately two square meters of solar cells.

It is possible to add more solar cells, as seen in the Lightyear One EV, in which the manufacturer was able to fit five square metres of PV using the roof and bonnet.

Decarbonising transport in Australia

In June, three infrastructure peak bodies issued a new report to speed up the transport sectors journey to net zero. Currently, there are 46 recommendations to speed up decarbonisation in the sector that set out actions for industry and government to help support driving

emissions reduction, supporting renewables and innovation investment, and promoting engagement and collaboration.

This is because the transport sector will play a significant role in Australias journey to net zero. However, there is still some work to be done and so many things that industries and governments can amplify to make progress.

The report has identified five areas that can support and drive action to the sector to net zero. For one, a national and strategic approach focusing on placemaking will help meet the communitys long-term needs.

Another thing is the need to introduce policies and investments that will help promote efficient, resilient, and sustainable transport systems. It also highlights the importance of collaboration, education, and capacity building throughout all stages of the process.

The adoption and promotion of technology solutions, along with the implementation of governance structures, are also necessary to further speed up the decarbonisation of transport systems.

Are you ready to make your next car an EV? Book a test drive today!

Fisker Ocean | Fisker Inc.

Disclaimers

EPA estimated range. Actual results may vary for many reasons, including driving conditions, wheel size, state of battery charge, and how the vehicle is driven and maintained.

Using Boost Mode.

Based on Fisker simulations. Ideal conditions assume solar irradiation of 5.4 kwh/m2/day and steady commuter driving. Actual results vary with conditions such as external environment and vehicle use.

Pricing is for continental US and excludes title, registration and other government charges which are state specific and may change. Final destination, handling and delivery charges are dependent upon your location, chosen method of taking delivery, and market conditions. This estimated amount is provided so that you may evaluate payment options. The total finance amount is subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not an advertisement, commitment to lend or offer for credit. Program, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change.

The tradename Fisker Finance and the Fisker logo are owned by Fisker Group Inc. or its affiliates and are licensed to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("Chase"). Fisker Group Inc. is solely responsible for its products and services and for promotional statements about them, and is not affiliated with Chase or its affiliates. Auto finance accounts are owned by Chase and are subject to credit approval, terms and conditions.

Subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Program, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Based on Fisker simulations utilizing EPA standards. Actual results vary with conditions such as external environment, wheel size and diameter, and vehicle use. Official EPA ratings forthcoming.

Multifunctional Onboard Charger for Electric Vehicles Integrating a Low-Voltage DCDC Converter and Solar Roof

Abstract:A multifunctional onboard charger (OBC) is proposed that integrates the power conversion circuits for a high-voltage battery (HVB) and low-voltage battery (LVB), where the solar roof is attached to the electric vehicle (EV). Control methods are presented for systematic operation in four modes depending on the energy sources [i.e., ac grid and photovoltaics (PVs)] and batteries (i.e., HVB and LVB): grid-to-vehicle (G2V), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), HVB-to-LVB (H2L), and HVB + PV-to-LVB (HP2L). The proposed OBC reduces the dc-link capacitance by including an active power decoupling (APD) circuit in the front-end. In addition, the proposed OBC achieves a high power density and efficiency by selective operation of the topology depending on the mode. Previous studies were limited by the rated power of the low-voltage dcdc converter (LDC), but the proposed OBC can effectively use power from the solar roof while charging the HVB and LVB simultaneously. A 3.3-kW prototype of the proposed OBC was designed, and experiments were performed to verify the waveforms and efficiency of the operating modes and control methods.