Impact and recent approaches of high-efficiency solar cell modules for PV-powered vehicles

Photovoltaic (PV)-powered vehicles are expected to play a critical role in a future carbon neutrality society because it has been reported that vehicle integrated PVs (VIPVs) have great ability to reduce CO2 emission from the transport sector. The development of high-efficiency solar cell modules is very important for this end. In this paper, analytical results for the impact of high-efficiency solar cell modules on increases in electric vehicle (EV) driving distance, reducing CO2 emission and saving charging cost of EV powered by PV are shown. The III-V triple-junction and Si tandem solar cell modules with an efficiency of more than 35% have the potential of the EV driving distance of more than 30 km d(-1) on average and more than 50 km d(-1) on a clear day. The effects of temperature, partial shading, curved surface, and color variation of solar cell modules upon output power of the VIPV are also briefly shown.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the impact of high-efficiency solar cell modules on the driving distance, CO2 emission, and charging cost of electric vehicles. It also briefly discusses the effects of temperature, shading, curved surfaces, and color variations on the output power of vehicle integrated PVs (VIPVs).