Advanced Solar Material Changes the Power Equation for Electric and Autonomous Vehicle Innovators

As vehicles become more autonomous, the number of sensors built into the average vehicle is increasing significantly. Camera, ultrasonic, and radar sensors are just some of the different types of sensors currently being used. These sensors are helping vehicles to become more intuitive, but demand more energy from vehicle batteries, which translates to reduced range. This presents a challenge for electric vehicles (EVs) where vehicle range is a key differentiator and driver of sales.

Imagine a technology that could be attached to the car’s surface and could provide additional power to the battery both while the vehicle is parked, and during motion. This is possible today – with the right solar technology.

This solar layer would follow the curves of the vehicle to preserve aerodynamics and design-elegance. It could be integrated into the EV hood, glass sunroof or even the side panels of the car. It would have the potential to augment EV batteries, integrate into the car’s design, and allow seamless charging without having to stop to plug-in. This technology could be used to power auxiliary systems such as interior fans, seat heaters, lights or other items. This solar technology should be high efficiency, lightweight and flexible.

Alta Devices Gen4 technology uniquely meets these conditions today and is designed specifically to power autonomous systems.

Where
and
When:

Smart Automotive Surfaces
Oct 10 - 11, 2018 | The Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel| Detroit, MI
Exhibition and discussion of the technology, materials, and business issues surrounding automotive and solar technology. This will include details about the recent introduction of Alta Devices Gen4 solar cell technology and displays of flexible solar panels.

Tuesday October 10, 9:00am – 9:25am
Empowering Autonomy with High Performance Solar Technology, Aarohi Vijh - Head of Product, Alta Devices
Access to energy when and where it is needed is a challenge facing designers and users of autonomous systems. This presentation will discuss a new type of solar technology, thin gallium arsenide which reaches record conversion efficiencies in a very thin and flexible form factor. The implications of this technology for electric automobiles and other mobility applications will be examined.

Innovative automotive designs need solar power to match. Lightweight, thin and flexible gallium-arsenide solar cells from Alta Devices enable designs that are not possible with other solar technologies. Alta cells provide a new level of mechanical and design flexibility for the automotive industry due to their high power-density combined with the ability to bend around curved surfaces. Alta Devices is the world-record holder for single junction solar cell efficiency at 28.9%. The newest generation product from Alta demonstrates a significant weight reduction from the previous version resulting in an improved power-to-weight ratio.