Integrated photovoltaics in vehicles (VIPV) is emerging as a breakthrough technology, combining solar energy and electric mobility while reducing grid reliance.
Where solar-powered vehicles stand today
Integrated photovoltaics in vehicles (VIPV) is driving a technological shift that merges solar energy with electric mobility. According to Task 17 of the IEA PVPS, this solution generates clean electricity directly on board, cutting charging needs from the grid and lowering CO₂ emissions. The impact on consumption is significant: the most efficient solar vehicles can reach as low as 9 kWh per 100 km, outperforming the average for conventional EVs.
Some models, such as the Lightyear 0, the world’s first production car with integrated photovoltaics, have demonstrated the ability to travel up to 4,500 km annually powered exclusively by solar energy. These figures highlight VIPV’s potential to make mobility more sustainable and less dependent on external charging infrastructure.
Cost and market perspectives
Integrated photovoltaics in vehicles is not only an environmental solution but also an economic one. Onboard solar panels are becoming increasingly competitive. According to Task 17 data, costs have dropped from $2–5/Wp to below $1/Wp, making the technology competitive with grid electricity. With lifecycle costs estimated at about $0.20/kWh over 15 years, VIPV is opening the door to large-scale adoption. This positive trend applies not only to passenger cars but also to heavy-duty vehicles.
Trucks and buses equipped with VIPV have already shown attractive returns through lower consumption and extended range. Direct solar energy production also eases pressure on power grids and reduces the need for new charging infrastructure, supporting balanced growth in the electric sector.
Studies compiled by IEA PVPS demonstrate how VIPV can achieve substantial energy gains. A prototype with 1.3 m² of panels reached a solar range of around 10 km per day in summer, equal to 1,600–2,000 km annually under real-world conditions. With more efficient modules (over 20%) and panel surfaces above 5 m², integration could deliver more than 10,000 km per year without external charging.
Today’s available technologies range from crystalline silicon, which dominates the market, to flexible and curved modules based on CIGS, CdTe, and perovskites, with efficiencies between 17% and 25%. Current VIPV systems typically operate with average yields of 18–25%, while tandem and perovskite cells could surpass 30% by 2030.
Technological innovations in integrated photovoltaics
The success of integrated photovoltaics in vehicles depends heavily on innovation. Tandem cells, which combine multiple photovoltaic layers to capture a wider range of solar radiation, are boosting panel efficiency.
At the same time, flexible modules enable integration into curved and unconventional surfaces, allowing application across different vehicle types. Findings from the IEA PVPS report also emphasize safety, long-term reliability, and impact resistance.
As a result, VIPV adoption could expand beyond private and public transport to logistics and shared mobility. The key challenge remains optimizing systems to balance energy efficiency, costs, and vehicle design.
