Solar Coupé Luminetta: Car generates more electricity than it consumes

Luminetta Solar Coupé Generates More Electricity than It Consumes

2026-08-12 From Mario Hommen/SP-X | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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The solar car Deep Orange 17 was developed collaboratively at Clemson University with BMW. More than 1,700 solar cells and lightweight construction are designed to enable a positive energy balance.

The Solar Coupé Luminetta is likely to lead the way in terms of sustainability. Visually, the concept has room for improvement.(Source: BMW/Clemson University) — The Solar Coupé Luminetta is likely to lead the way in terms of sustainability. Visually, the concept has room for improvement.
(Source: BMW/Clemson University)

An electric car that generates more energy in everyday life than it needs for its journeys: Students at Clemson University in the US state of South Carolina, together with BMW, have developed a corresponding prototype called Deep Orange 17. The two-seater solar coupe, nicknamed "Luminetta," is intended to demonstrate the potential of combining lightweight construction, high efficiency, and a solar cell body.

The Luminetta carries more than 1,700 solar cells. The PV modules generate electricity both while driving and when parked, which can be stored in the traction battery. The modules, developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, also generate electricity even under partial shading. An outer protective film for the cells was applied using a special laser process, which in turn gives the modules their characteristic orange color.

There are no details about the performance of the Luminetta. The speedometer goes up to 160 km/h.(Source: BMW/Clemson University) — There are no details about the performance of the Luminetta. The speedometer goes up to 160 km/h.
(Source: BMW/Clemson University)

Generate More Electricity than Is Needed for Driving

The promised positive energy balance, however, applies only under certain conditions. The developers based their calculations on a daily commute of 20 kilometers (approx. 12.4 miles) and simulated the solar radiation at four locations: Greenville, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Mumbai. On average, the car generated enough solar power beyond its driving needs to provide an additional 50 kilometers (approx. 31 miles) of range. This would enable autonomous use independent of a charging infrastructure.

Theoretically, surplus energy could be fed into the home grid. Clemson does not provide details on the battery size or motor and driving performance. Since the Luminetta weighs around 550 kilograms (approx. 1,210 lbs), the battery is likely to be modestly sized. Among other factors, the low weight positively impacts the high efficiency. This is achieved through a hybrid construction chassis that combines steel in the passenger cell with aluminum, carbon structural elements, and 3D-printed metal connections.

Sixteen master's students developed and built the research and training project over two years.(Source: BMW/Clemson University) — Sixteen master's students developed and built the research and training project over two years.
(Source: BMW/Clemson University)

No Series Model Planned

The body, inspired by the shape of a boxfish but roughly assembled, is intended to combine low aerodynamic drag with a practical interior layout. Regeneration, intelligent torque distribution, and optimized drive controls enable further efficiency gains. Deep Orange 17 is not intended to provide a preview of a production model.

Sixteen master's students worked on the research and training project for two years. Research on this topic is to be expanded at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research. At the beginning of 2027, the solar car is set to be presented at the CES electronics trade show in Las Vegas.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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