Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics Reduce Energy Consumption and Grid Load

Power from the Vehicle Roof Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics Reduce Energy Consumption and Grid Load

2026-06-15 Source: Fraunhofer ISE | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics can significantly reduce the energy consumption of vehicles while easing the load on the power grid—this is demonstrated by the European research project Solar-Moves. According to the findings, vehicles can cover a significant portion of their energy needs themselves: up to 55 percent in Central Europe and up to 80 percent in Southern Europe.

In particular, delivery vans, trucks, and trailers have large roof areas and consume a lot of energy for cooling, heating, and auxiliary units. Integrated solar panels are a sensible solution.(Source: IM Efficiency) — In particular, delivery vans, trucks, and trailers have large roof areas and consume a lot of energy for cooling, heating, and auxiliary units. Integrated solar panels are a sensible solution.
(Source: IM Efficiency)

The Solar-Moves project, conducted by TNO, Fraunhofer ISE, Sono Motors, IM Efficiency, and Lightyear on behalf of the European Commission, examined the technical and practical potential of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV). These generate electricity directly on the vehicle—without additional infrastructure or grid load.Vehicles with large surfaces and high energy demand, such as delivery vans, trucks, and trailers, benefit the most. Integrated solar panels can increase range, reduce operating costs, and lower fuel consumption in combustion engines.

Gallery

Cars could generate up to 55 percent of their energy needs in Central Europe themselves; in Southern Europe, it could be up to 80 percent.(Source: Lightyear)

Delivery van with vehicle-integrated photovoltaics, which was part of the study fleet. Like all other vehicles, it is equipped with a sensor to collect irradiation data.(Source: IM Efficiency)

New vehicles equipped with VIPV can reduce demand by 15.6 terawatt-hours by 2030

The evaluations are based on 23 vehicle types—from compact cars to heavy trucks. "The study analyzed data from 23 different vehicle types— from compact city cars to heavy-duty trucks—and combined detailed vehicle and driving profiles with Meteosat satellite data and meteorological data from Amsterdam and Madrid," explained Christian Braun, project collaborator and scientist at Fraunhofer ISE. "For this purpose, the vehicles were equipped with sensors, and data from 1.3 million kilometers driven was analyzed."
In addition to individual benefits, a systemic effect also emerges: if all new vehicles between 2024 and 2030 were equipped with VIPV, the electricity demand from the European grid could decrease by 15.6 terawatt-hours by 2030—roughly equivalent to the annual production of about 2,200 onshore wind turbines (3 MW).

Electrification alone is not enough. We need innovations that structurally reduce energy demand. VIPV contributes precisely in this area.

Lenneke Slooff-Hoek, Project Manager of Solar-Moves at TNO

15 Percent More Range for Electric Trucks

In the logistics sector, the potential is particularly significant: electric trucks can increase their range by up to 15%. For trailers, up to 55 kWh per day is possible in summer, or even 90 to 110 kWh with additional side modules—sufficient for cooling or hydraulic systems. Fuel consumption also decreases for diesel trucks, as auxiliary units require less fuel. According to the study, investment in VIPV can pay off in less than two years.
The consortium recommends including VIPV in the WLTP to systematically record CO₂ savings and create incentives. Furthermore, a clear European legal framework is called for, incorporating VIPV into the Renewable Energy Directive.

Cars could generate up to 55 percent of their energy needs themselves in Central Europe; in Southern Europe, it could be up to 80 percent. (Image:Lightyear)

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