Expanded and contracted solar roof rack
A company found a way to alleviate range anxiety among consumers considering an electric vehicle, although the results may not be as successful in wintry weather as they would be in sunshine areas.
DartSolar invented an expanding solar roof rack that allows the vehicle to gain 10 to 20 miles of charge per day (around 16 to 32 kilometres). They designed the solar roof so that it expands to 1,000 watts while the vehicle is parked, and contracts to 360 watts when driving. Based on the company, it’s been tested on several EV models.
“It connects to a compact rear power unit that converts solar power into 120-volt alternating current,” said. DartSolar in a news release. The solar roof rack “uses lightweight, custom solar panels just an eighth of an inch thick. Repair parts can also be easily 3D-printed by any DIY enthusiast.”
DartSolar also said the solar roof has a 10-year life expectancy and costs $2,950. It has a payback period of two years and a five-time return on investment (or ROI). The company also said its product can also be adapted to carry up to 50 pounds, was engineered to be theft-proof, and that the charger is more affordable than comparable residential solar panel installations. Research on the roof rack began three years ago.
As to the company’s other innovations, it said: “With advancements in tandem solar cell technology by companies like Kaneka Corporation and Oxford PV, DartSolar is currently designing a 3,000-watt solar roof rack capable of providing 30 to 40 miles of charge per day (around 48 to 81 kilometres).
As to whether the roof is meant for sunshine states only, or for wintry provinces, is yet to be seen.
