The European consortium “SolarMoves,” comprising the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), and solar car innovators Lightyear, IM Efficiency, and Sono Motors, spent nine months measuring the real-world energy potential of solar vehicles on European roads. More than 1 million kilometres of data, collected from 18 vehicles, confirms solar panels on vehicles are a viable and promising source of clean mobility, with substantial benefits but also notable limitations tied to environmental and user factors.
Consortium Collaboration and Project Scope
The “SolarMoves” project united TNO (Netherlands), Fraunhofer ISE (Germany), and solar system suppliers Lightyear, IM Efficiency, and Sono Motors. Their goal: to evaluate the viability and scalability of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) using cars, trucks, vans, and city buses deployed in real-world conditions from March 2024 through the next nine months. The consortium sought accurate, on-the-road measurements to verify previous modelling assumptions and inform future mobility strategies, charging infrastructure, and policymaking.
This pilot, backed by the European Commission (DG MOVE), is a pivotal step in assessing how solar technologies can reduce grid demand and emissions as the continent transitions to electric transportation.
Data Collection Methodology
Eighteen diverse vehicles were equipped with rooftop and side-mounted solar panels as well as irradiance and consumption sensors. Data was collected in locations ranging from the Netherlands and North Germany to Slovakia, covering over one million kilometres of mixed driving—city, motorway, and rural settings. Sophisticated sensor arrays captured real-time generation, solar irradiation, and operational performance under varied traffic, weather, and geographical scenarios.
What Solar Panels Delivered for Mobility
- Rooftop solar panels on vehicles produced on average 2.8 kWh per square metre annually, while side-mounted panels yielded about half—1.3 kWh/m² per year. This result precisely matches previous modelling estimates, validating the underlying physics and design assumptions.
- In Southern Europe, solar integration was able to supply up to 50% of a passenger vehicle’s annual energy needs. For Central Europe (including the Netherlands and Germany), the figure stood at 35%—a substantial reduction in grid reliance and potential savings for motorists.
Case studies included a delivery truck (IM Efficiency) in the Benelux and a city bus (Sono Motors) in Slovakia, demonstrating VIPV’s versatility for urban logistics and public transit applications.
A number of variables shaped real-world solar yield:
- Shading: Trees, buildings, and even passing clouds caused significant dips in panel output, underscoring the need for route planning and consideration of parking spots.
- User Behaviour: Parking vehicles in direct sunlight or using them more frequently increased overall solar capture; drivers who regularly parked in covered locations saw lower returns.
- Panel Orientation & Vehicle Type: Flat rooftop panels consistently outperformed side-mounted units, and vehicles driven longer distances saw greater cumulative yield.
Impact on Charging Infrastructure and Energy Demand
The consortium’s modelling predicts that widespread adoption of VIPV could reduce Europe’s future grid electricity demand for electric vehicles by up to 27 TWh by 2030. This equates to potentially one in five EV charging events being avoided, helping alleviate infrastructure bottlenecks and reducing peak load stresses on transmission systems.
In sun-rich regions, VIPV may cover up to 80% of common passenger vehicle energy needs, radically shrinking the carbon footprint and making solar cars a cornerstone of the continent’s sustainable mobility revolution.
Current Market Outlook and Future Developments
With commercial fleets and public transport already piloting solar trucks and buses at scale, experts believe that by 2030 up to 10% of new vehicles in Europe could come equipped with factory-fitted solar panels. Ongoing testing will extend into Southern and Eastern Europe with an expanded vehicle cohort and refined predictive models before the final report is published in 2026.
As the technology matures, innovators like Atlantic Renewables stand ready to integrate VIPV in hybrid fleet solutions across the UK, leveraging years of local solar expertise for organisations embracing net zero goals.
Conclusion Real-World Trials Illuminate Solar Mobility’s Future
The SolarMoves study confirms the feasibility and value of solar-powered vehicles in Europe, while recognising operational challenges around shading and driver habits. The results give policymakers, transport planners, and vehicle manufacturers guidance to shape charging infrastructure, modelling tools, and incentives for cleaner mobility.
Get in touch
Interested in pioneering solar vehicles for your business or organisation? Atlantic Renewables can help tailor integrated PV solutions for fleets or support sustainable energy transitions. Call our expert team on 0161 207 4044 to discuss custom projects and future-proof mobility.
