Study shows big potential for PV elements in mobility sector

Aug 26, 2013 - Photovoltaics are expected to play an increasingly important role in the mobility sector over the next years, a study of technology and innovation consulting firm Invensity GmbH showed Friday.

On land, at sea or in the sky, PV systems can support board electronics and in separate cases even completely supply energy to the engines, Utz Taeuber, head of Invensity Innovation Centers, said.

In the frame of the study, named Solar in Motion, Invensity interviewed experts from the industry and the research and development (R&D) field. They analysed the expectations of clients in terms of design, quality, system environment and costs as well as the mechanical challenges. However, next to the potential which the technology can offer, suppliers should be ready in the future to rapidly react to the needs of different market segments.

Thus, design plays a significant role in the automobile sector and therefore producers and suppliers should pay a special attention to it when integrating PV elements. In contrast, in terms of commercial vehicles, the reduction of operating costs is still a priority. Air conditioning systems supported by solar elements in buses and trucks could become a standard in the next few years, the study showed.

According to the findings of the study, the biggest potential for PV elements can be seen on private boats and yachts. The desire of clients to have their own energy source and an interrupted supply of sunlight on water surfaces are good preconditions for that.

However, Invensity does not currently see any significant potential for the integration of PV elements in air transport due to high costs for development and approval there.

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