Can I buy a car with solar panels?

Why don't manufacturers omit the sunroof and add solar panels instead?

They could be used to power the obligatory air con and the sound systems and eventually trickle charge the main batteries to charge the car while it's parked. Solar panels are already installed on some camper vans, why not cars?

Asked on 5 September 2022 by R L Nunn

Answered by Andrew Brady

The previous-generation Nissan Leaf was available with a small solar panel on the roof spoiler which was used the trickle-charge the 12-volt battery. Toyota has also experimented with a solar roof - the Prius Plug-in was available with solar panels. We're likely to see more cars with solar panels, as you suggest, in the future - the biggest obstacle is their efficiency. Solar panels the size of a car roof only provide very limited power.

Tags: electric cars solar charger

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