Integrated Photovoltaics

In recent years, photovoltaic modules have become increasingly attractive for the transportation industry due to reduced prices and technological innovations. The roofs of large commercial vehicles are particularly suitable for the integration of lightweight photovoltaic (PV) modules.

According to a study by Fraunhofer ISE, photovoltaic systems on Germany’s roofs have a technical potential of approx. 560 GWp. So far, rooftop systems have mostly been installed on house roofs. However, with a widespread expansion of rooftop solar installations, there is a risk that the public’s acceptance of photovoltaic systems could decline. One solution is to use integrated solar modules instead of roofing tiles, which are visually hardly distinguishable from conventional roofing tiles and produce solar power at the same time.

Buildings are major energy consumers and emitters of greenhouse gases. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is able to significantly reduce a building’s CO2 footprint and even turn it into a zero-energy or energy-plus building.

Photovoltaics is regarded as one of the most important pillars of the future energy supply. By the end of 2021, 59 GWP of photovoltaics had been installed in Germany, with about 75 % on roofs and the rest ground mounted. The integration of PV into buildings, vehicles and roads as well as the incorporation into agricultural and water areas and public places in urban centers unlocks vast areas for energy generation with a high economic potential.

Depending on the scenario, a photovoltaic expansion of 300 to 450 GWp is needed in Germany to ensure the success of the energy transition. Due to the limited agricultural land, land-neutral solutions must be developed. Floating PV refers to photovoltaic power plants mounted on floating bodies on standing water or at sea.

The energy transformation requires a massive expansion of solar electricity production, combined with a high demand for space. The problem for ground-mounted systems: Agricultural land is a very limited and valuable resource. Agrivoltaics solves this conflict by enabling food production and electricity generation on the same area.

Electricity from photovoltaic systems is an essential component of the energy transition. To generate sufficient energy, large areas have to be equipped with solar modules. Here, road infrastructure can offer a large area of potential.

In order to determine the solar radiation potential of passenger cars, we are currently investigating and measuring solar radiation on German roads as part of a citizen science campaign with 80 vehicles. The data will be used in new simulation models for solar radiation on traffic routes. This would allow drivers to calculate how far they could drive with solar energy, at what time and on which route.