A European research consortium said passenger vehicles equipped with integrated solar modules could independently cover up to 55% of their annual energy demand in Central Europe and as much as 80% in Southern Europe, highlighting the growing potential of solar-assisted transportation technologies.
The findings come from the EU-funded SolarMoves pilot project involving Dutch research organization TNO, Fraunhofer ISE, and companies Sono Motors, IM Efficiency and Lightyear.
Since early 2024, the group has been studying the technical and operational potential of Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV), a technology that incorporates solar modules into parts of a vehicle including the roof, hood and side panels.
According to the consortium, vehicles with larger roof areas and lower annual driving distances, such as SUVs operating in Central Europe, could generate enough solar energy to meet more than half of their electricity demand. In Southern Europe, where solar irradiation levels are higher, the figure could rise to around 80%.
“This not only makes the vehicle more convenient to use by reducing the number of external charging sessions, but also significantly lowers the amount of external electricity consumed per kilometer,” Fraunhofer ISE said.
The study examined data collected from 23 vehicle types ranging from compact passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Christian Braun, project team member and scientist at Fraunhofer ISE, said researchers analyzed sensor data gathered from vehicles over 1.3 million kilometers of driving, combining the information with Meteosat satellite imagery and meteorological data from Amsterdam and Madrid.
“To do this, the vehicles were equipped with sensors, and measurement data from 1.3 million kilometres driven was analysed,” Braun said.
Researchers said the technology could also provide broader benefits at the energy-system level.
“In a simulation, the research team calculated that if all new vehicles were equipped with VIPV between 2024 and 2030, electricity demand from the European grid could decrease by 15.6 terawatt-hours in 2030,” the consortium stated.
The team said that reduction would equal the annual electricity generation of roughly 2,200 onshore wind turbines with a capacity of 3 megawatts each.
The study identified the logistics sector as one of the strongest use cases for vehicle-integrated solar systems because delivery vans, trucks and trailers typically offer large surface areas suitable for solar panels while also consuming considerable energy for refrigeration, heating and auxiliary systems.
“For electric trucks, VIPV extends the daily range by up to 15 percent,” the project leaders said.
“For truck trailers, the electricity yield can reach up to 55 kilowatt-hours per day in the summer and 90 to 110 kilowatt-hours if the side walls are also equipped with solar panels.”
Researchers added that diesel-powered trucks could also reduce fuel consumption because onboard systems such as air conditioning and heating would require less diesel energy.
According to the consortium, investment costs for VIPV systems could be recovered in less than two years, although no detailed cost figures were disclosed.
The group recommended integrating VIPV considerations into regulatory frameworks such as the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and establishing clearer European Union rules recognizing vehicle-integrated solar technology under the Renewable Energy Directive.