Although the bodywork of certain electric vehicles incorporates photovoltaic panels, they are largely in the minority. The removable DartSolar system allows any model to harvest solar energy.
The DartSolar system
Developed by Californian engineer Omid Sadeghpour, the device consists of six solar panels of 160 watts covered with ethylene tetrafluoroethylene and reinforced with fiberglass. Featuring a 4 millimeter thick aluminum frame, they are mounted on telescopic stainless steel tubes.
When the vehicle is parked, the six panels are manually deployed to maximize the amount ofsolar energy harvested. When it’s time to hit the road, the dual front and rear panels are folded away, leaving just two panels exposed (and still functional).
The whole thing is connected to a compact power unit located at the rear of the vehicle, which can also be used to charge other devices via an integrated socket.
According to Sadeghpour, DartSolar can reliably generate around 5 kWh of electricity daily, extending the autonomy of the electric vehicle which it equips with 16 to 32 kilometers (depending on weather conditions, driving style and make/model of the car).
A lifespan of at least 10 years
Weighing just over 40 kilos, this system, sold for less than 3,000 euros, can also accommodate up to 23 kilos of additional cargo using an adapter. Waterproof, dustproof and washable, it is designed to last at least 10 years and would pay for itself in just two years.
Pre-orders are already open, with first shipments expected by the middle of next year.
In November, the company Aptera unveiled a solar car with a design worthy of a science fiction film.
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