The project, which is dubbed SMARTOP, is part of a EUR3 million initiative and also involves researchers from several British universities.
“The SMARTOP project has been set up to create a technology that will revolutionise the auto industry and the cars that we drive, by converting everyday light into a form of power. Simply put, in the not too distant future, cars will be partially powered by PV technologies, which will have significant knock-on benefits for consumers, manufacturers and society as a whole,” said Dr Mazhar Bari, chief executive officer, SolarPrint.
The new smart roof will use low cost photovoltaic technology (PV or solar cells) to capture energy. The system will convert it into electricity, which will be stored in lithium-ion batteries. The generated electricity can be used to power the car’s systems.
The SMARTOP is expected to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent. Fiat plans to introduce the technology to its future models, with the feature being spread across the automotive producer’s line-up.
“The smart sun roofs that will eventually be installed in cars offer a number of important advantages, in terms of energy that is both generated and saved, the lower cost of the component materials, and the overall comfort and benefits for the driver,” said Vito Lambertini, a member of the Centro Richerche Fiat (Fiat Research Center).
Multiple automotive producers use solar panels - not for their vehicles but for the factories that build them. You can read a story about Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche's play out in the sun here.
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