Solar energy is widely considered the best renewable energy source there is, but automakers have struggled to harness the power of the sun for EVs due to one major issue: not having enough space for the solar panel area required to actually recharge an EV. But Audi is looking to change this, with a new patent filed in Germany pointing to a flexible solar panel system that could be applied to all parts of an EV’s bodywork, not just the flat surfaces like the roof as is currently used in the industry.
Unique ‘Carrier Layer’ Holds The Key
Often, the trouble with equipping a vehicle with solar panels to recoup energy is in getting these photovoltaic cells to link up to one another, especially on curved surfaces.
To circumvent this, Audi proposes a partially translucent plastic outer layer, an inner layer of photovoltaic cells, and between them, a carrier layer imbued with multiple conductor tracks to connect all the photovoltaic cells. This design would allow photovoltaic cells to be wrapped to fit a body panel but still maintain connection with adjacent solar cells.
Audi specifically references the flexibility of this design, allowing this sheet to be bent and curved to match the shape of the body panels underneath it, without the risk of the solar cells losing connection to one another.
Cost-Effective, But Don’t Expect Solar Panels Everywhere
Audi’s design is not only flexible but also cost-effective and robust, combatting traditional solar panels’ fragility and rigid structures. Audi sees this as an effective way to integrate solar panels on its EVs and hybrids going forward, but don’t expect to see solar panels everywhere.
Side panels like the doors and fenders are less than ideal for solar integration, as there’s always one side of a car not facing the sun. But the roof and hood provide large surface areas almost always pointing sunward. With more efficient solar cells that are easier to produce, this could go some way to harnessing the sun for extended range and efficiency.
