Given the current price of gasoline, electric vehicles seem to be an affordable alternative. However, what you save on gas will likely be spent on electricity bills and higher registration fees. You could try to mitigate these costs by charging your electric vehicle with solar panels, but Chinese automakers have a more portable idea.
Recently, Fuyao Group, a leading Chinese supplier of automotive glass (windshields, side windows, etc.), announced that it is ready to mass produce “photovoltaic sunroofs” that can charge cars while they are driving. The name is not a play on words or anything: Fuyao did not develop solar panels installed on the roof to absorb the sun’s energy. Instead, the company designed laminated glass panels (i.e., actual sunroofs) with integrated solar cells. Unlike perovskite panels that fit over existing windows, Fuyao’s photovoltaic glass is designed to fit vehicles sold by BYD Auto, particularly its Han and Tang models, for an additional installation fee.
According to various solar industry reports, Fuyao Group has been working closely with BYD Auto for several years on photovoltaic sunroofs. Fuyao previously told investors it could begin production as early as 2024 and increase production by 2026.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows
Although the technology behind Fuyao Group’s photovoltaic sunroofs appears promising, news of its development has sparked several rumors about its capabilities. Those expecting these photovoltaic sunroofs to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry may need to temper their expectations.
These same industry reports note that the power of Fuyao’s photovoltaic sunroofs reaches around 720 watts, which is a drop in the ocean compared to what electric vehicles typically require. When traveling on highways, electric cars require tens of kilowatts to keep the vehicle moving at a constant speed. Again, the energy from these sunroofs is primarily intended for on-board electrical equipment, which can at the very least free up battery power for the engine and save a few extra miles on long journeys. However, neither Fuyao nor BYD Auto released these reports. The companies haven’t even provided technical specifications or price estimates, so it’s anyone’s guess how much power or long-term savings the components will actually deliver.
If Fuyao Group’s sunroofs live up to expectations, we can add them to our list of reasons why Chinese electric vehicles should be sold in the United States. Or, at the very least, Fuyao could license the production designs to local automakers. Who wouldn’t want to buy an add-on that pays for itself by saving money in the long term?
What sets them apart from the competition
The Fuyao Group is not the first car manufacturer to offer photovoltaic sunroofs. Toyota has been selling solar roofs for several years to complement its Prius Prime (in particular the XSE Premium version). However, just because two companies have the same (or similar) ideas doesn’t mean the concepts are executed identically.
The first major difference is the types of cars that use these solar roofs. While the BYD cars designed to use the add-on, the Han and Tang, are fully electric, the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid. You still have to fill the gas tank, but you technically get more miles per gallon from the electric motor.
While Fuyao’s glass only complements the dashboard’s electronics, the company says the photovoltaic sunroof provides a constant supply of electricity, implying that the vehicle recharges when in motion. Meanwhile, Prius Prime owners say their car’s solar roof only charges the vehicle when it’s parked, ideally in direct sunlight. However, even though the BYD and Prius Prime’s photovoltaic sunroofs can power auxiliary systems, Prius owners are split on how useful they are. Some think the roof makes it easier to get around, while others think it’s almost useless. We can’t rely on owner reviews of Fuyao Group’s solar glass roofs because they’re not yet widely available, but time will tell if they’re an improvement over Toyota’s version.
