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The two Italian companies say their new modules use a fully recyclable adhesive that can help improve aesthetics and turn the panels into billboards. The panels use Maxeon interdigitated back-contact solar cells with 24% efficiency.
Italian PV module manufacturer Solbian and Italy-based startup Sunspeker have developed new solar modules for vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIVP) applications.
The modules use customizable and fully recyclable stickers that can replicate high-definition images while remaining permeable to light. Images processed using Sunspeker’s patented process maintain a high degree of transparency. The adhesive film on the aesthetic covers is a thermoplastic developed for outdoor applications.
“Our company can custom design panels to perfectly fit complex, limited or curved surfaces, such as commercial vehicles of various types,” a Solbian spokesperson told pv magazine . “The arrangement of the cells can also be modified, allowing for optimized use of space and maximizing energy generation.”
For the cutting process, Solbian uses high-precision machinery that reportedly ensures clean edges and seamless integration of the cells, without compromising their integrity or performance. “Thanks to the customisability, our panels can be discreetly integrated into visible surfaces. This is particularly useful in applications where aesthetics can also be crucial,” the spokesperson adds.
Sunspeker SP 32 standard panels have a power of 89 W and a conversion efficiency of 18%. Their open circuit voltage is 23.0 V and short circuit current is 4.7 A. They measure 1,109 mm x 546 mm x 2 mm and weigh 1.6 kg.
The panels can operate at a maximum system voltage of 1,000 V and operating temperatures of -40ºC to 85ºC. Each panel is based on 32 interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells with 24% efficiency supplied by Singapore-based module manufacturer Maxeon. The temperature coefficient is -0.28%/ºC.
"The cells are laminated onto a base of flexible and lightweight polymeric materials," the spokesperson explained. The lamination is carried out using an encapsulation process that isolates the cells and protects them from external agents such as humidity, corrosion and mechanical shocks.
“These solar panels can be used on the aerial parts of vehicles and mobility solutions, as well as on other parts such as the sides,” said Fabrizio Chiara, CEO of Sunspeker. “The panels can retain approximately 80% of their original power, given the high transparency of the film. There are no limitations as to the types of graphics and textures that can be created.”
According to Chiara, the possibility of branding the panels allows companies to promote their business and use the vehicles as a means of communication. |
