Frost & Sullivan back European auto industry link to solar applications

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Frost & Sullivan has released findings that a sunroof panel with solar cells can generate sufficient power to ventilate a vehicle interior. Currently, the auto industry is undergoing a move from the traditional internal combustion engines to battery powered motors. A combination of a more “green” thinking population, zero-emission vehicles, increased government spending on electric vehicles and the numerous vehicle prototypes are signs that electric vehicles could very well be dominate in the future.

“Solar cells are poised to achieve grid parity in the coming years,” says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Roshan Devadoss. “Subsequently, solar cells costs will plummet, making them affordable for automotive applications.” Grid parity happens when the cost of electricity generated using solar cells is equal to the cost of that generated using fossil or nuclear fuels. Once grid parity is reached, solar cells will cease to be cost-intensive, leading to inexpensive automotive solutions.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

While electric vehicles deal with criticism in regards to their increased energy consumption, the idea of using renewable energy is a persuasive solution. Unfortunately, one of the biggest limitations for the use of solar panels in automotive applications is the extra weight they add. Polysilicon panels are heavy and apply a drag on the vehicle, which in turn reduces the range and life of the battery on the electric or hybrid vehicle. The other commercially available solution, thin-film solar cells, might be an alternative to the polysilicon panels. Thin-film solar cells are flexible and light-weight in comparison to polysilicon cells, though they have a lower efficiency rating than the polysilicon.

Auto makers are investigating the use of thin-film technologies that are commercially available and have designed concept vehicles using them. Third-generation solar cells are under development and will more than likely be installed in the interior of the vehicles as well as on the roofs, doors and windows.

Read Next

Premium
September 16, 2025
At RE+, industry leaders pointed to the resilience of the US solar sector, despite challenges brought by the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' Act.
September 16, 2025
IB Solar is investing INR30 billion (US$340 million) in a 4GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
September 16, 2025
Two of the major European solar trade associations, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE), have called for EU policymakers to take measures supporting European solar manufacturing.
September 16, 2025
The Philippines has commissioned the Batangas 1 project, the country's first to combine agriPV with a battery energy storage system (BESS).
September 16, 2025
Two Wisconsin Republicans have introduced legislation to open access to community solar projects in the US state.
September 15, 2025
Advances in edge-based artificial intelligence are helping make solar and storage interoperable by tackling the data challenge, writes Andrew Foster.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines