The electrification of the mobile fleet is going slowly, according to figures from the European Union (also in Spain, says the Ministry of Ecological Transition). Perhaps that is why there has been a boost to sustainability that we did not expect. Discover the first factory flexible solar panels for vehicles.
Flexible solar panels, a decisive advance in the field of renewable energy sources
Las flexible solar panels They represent a major innovation in solar energy applied to transportation. Unlike traditional rigid solar panels, these new plates are made of semi-flexible materials instead of crystalline silicon.
This flexibility is the main advantage, as it significantly increases the possibilities for integrating solar energy into cars, trucks, buses, caravans and other means of transport. We have seen some images and they have left us more than shocked.
The plates can be easily installed on roofs, hoods, sides and even windows, make optimal use of the available surface area. Furthermore, because they are lighter than rigid plates, they represent less additional load on the vehicle (and less cost).
This technology opens the door for solar vehicles of the future and accelerates the energy transition. There are several companies that produce them, but did you know that they have opened one dedicated exclusively to their production? This is the news we want to show you.
Meet the first factory of flexible solar panels for vehicles
Germany has always distinguished itself as a pioneer in the field of sustainable initiatives. On this occasion, the German manufacturer SolFlex unveiled the first factory in the world dedicated exclusively to the production of flexible solar panels for transport.
Located in the city of Brandenburg, this innovative factory required an investment of 50 million euros and has an initial capacity to produce one million square meters of flexible photovoltaic cells per year. It’s something surprising. do not you think?
It is estimated that this volume would be sufficient for rest 50,000 vehicles with solar panels. The SolFlex factory will also generate 200 new specialist jobs in a sector that is now growing by leaps and bounds more than ever.
In fact, demand for these types of lightweight and adaptable solar panels has skyrocketed thanks to their many applications for land, marine and air vehicles. The German factory marks a milestone in the mass production of flexible solar panels.
What do the new SolFlex flexible solar panels look like?
Las new flexible solar panels SolFlex They are produced in this innovative German factory and offer important advantages over traditional solar panels. The flexibility significantly increases resistance to knocks and bumps, just as expected.
They are made of a flexible and lightweight plastic film containing high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Because no glass is used, these plates weigh up to 80% less and are much thinner, only one millimeter thick.
This lightness and flexibility make new application possibilities possible. The SolFlex plates stick and can withstand high speeds, ideal for highway driving. They can even be integrated into fabrics and textiles.although they didn’t specify why.
In terms of efficiency, they achieve conversion performance comparable to that of traditional silicon modules, approximately 15-20%. And the expectation is that this technology will improve quickly due to new developments (that’s why they applied for a grant from the EU).
How far can they continue with automotive innovation? The flexible solar panels for vehicles They are the proposal we were waiting for. Imagine charging your car while you drive and with the energy of the sun. Without a doubt, another step towards the sustainable future that we so desperately needed.