The transportation industry has traditionally been one of the significant carbon emissions. To reduce carbon emissions, electric buses and trucks are introduced. Also, they have lower operational costs compared to combustion engine vehicles. However, electric trucks and buses provide limited range and limited charging infrastructure, creating range anxiety for the driver.
To overcome this problem, OPES Solar Mobility is developing a new production facility in Germany for vehicle-integrated solar panels.
OPES Solar Mobility is a joint venture between solar module specialist OPES Solutions and a German family office.
The new facility will use new technology to manufacture an advanced version of the SolFlex module, with higher area efficiency and optimized behavior in the event of shading.
SolFlex is the first flexible design solar module developed for vehicles, and it is ideal for curved surfaces. It is ultra-thin and 70% lighter than conventional solar panels. It boasts cutting-edge features such as integrated bypass diodes and half-cell technology that ensure optimal yields even in shaded low irradiation conditions.
Moreover, this solar module can withstand extreme environmental conditions or damage caused by stone chips. SolFlex solar modules undergo various tests, such as vibrations, ice water shock, or high-pressure cleaning. This results in a flexible, lightweight, robust solar module. The adhesive tape applied to the modules has also been extensively tested on various vehicle surfaces. The specified adhesive bonding ensures optimum aerodynamics, condensation drainage, and quick installation.
SolFlex solar module is vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) ready and International Material Data System (IMDS) qualified for the vehicle industry.
“The transportation industry has traditionally been one of the major emitters of carbon emissions. Only advanced electrification concepts can lead to urgently needed change. We are contributing to this with our solutions,” said Robert Händel, CEO of OPES Solar Mobility. “Trucks and vans have large surfaces that can be easily equipped with solar modules – combined with increasingly large battery capacities that simplify the use of photovoltaics. Our concept is an ideal fit for this. The solar energy generated can be used for immediate consumption or also stored, a decisive factor for greater ranges and meeting the energy needs of vehicles. With manufacturing capacity in Germany, we are creating new jobs directly on-site and a basis to systematically meet future requirements.”
The SolFlex solar module is easy to apply on the top of the delivery truck or the bus. After integrating SolFlex on the rooftop of EVs, it will provide an additional free range. It will solve the range anxiety problem of the driver. Also, making solar a charging source will reduce the energy cost of the vehicle.
