SETO and VTO released the summary of responses to the Challenges and Opportunities for Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics request for information.
Solar Energy Technologies Office
February 14, 2023
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On February 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) released the Summary: Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics Request for Information. The summary is a response to a request for information (RFI) issued by the offices on VIPV and VAPV systems.
Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) and vehicle-added photovoltaics (VAPV) have opportunities to add value to transportation sectors from passenger vehicles to utility vehicles. The RFI received responses from VIPV/VAPV stakeholders including product manufacturers, vehicle fleet operators, research institutions, national laboratories, consultants, and individuals.
Responses included the following key findings:
- More data collection and validation are needed to clearly demonstrate the value proposition of VIPV/VAPV.
- On-road transportation (e.g., commercial trucks, trailers, passenger vehicles) are considered the largest market opportunity for VIPV/VAPV.
- VIPV adoption will require established standards and testing procedures, along with safety and operations and maintenance considerations integrated into product design.
- Partnership and collaboration between the transportation and solar industries will be critical to the adoption of VIPV technologies.
View the full RFI summary report and learn more about SETO manufacturing and competitiveness research and other dual-use PV technologies.