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Executive Analysis of the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry
Frost & Sullivan, June 2009, Pages: 32
Research Overview
This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Executive Analysis of the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry provides an overview of the different types of solar cells. This research service analyses their current and future applications within the automotive industry with a case study on the polysilicon solar panel industry and life cycle analysis of the different types of solar cells. Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: polysilicon solar cell, thin-film technologies, and third-generation solar cells.
This analysis is available through the publisher's Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Services programme. With continuous access to intelligence and resources from all seven perspectives of the Complex Business Universe, the Growth Partnership Services programme ensures that you and your Growth Team™ are able to maintain a 360 Degree Perspective of the market. This comprehensive, objective information allows your company to mitigate risk, identify new opportunities, and drive effective strategies for growth.
Market Overview
Technological Advancements Open up Opportunities for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry
Although presently the market for solar technologies is limited to advanced roof solutions that use solar cells to ventilate vehicle interiors, technological innovation will shift the focus of solar cells from comfort and convenience features to powertrain applications and similar domains within the automotive industry. Additionally, the costs of solar cells are expected to plummet, making it affordable to the average customer looking for a less polluting vehicle. 'Solar cells are poised to achieve grid parity in the coming years,' says the analyst of this research. 'Subsequently, the cost of solar cells will fall drastically making them cost effective for automotive applications.' Grid parity occurs when the cost of electricity generated using solar cells equals the cost of electricity generated using fossil or nuclear fuels. Upon reaching grid parity, the solar cells will cease to be cost-intensive, leading to inexpensive automotive solutions.
One of the restraints currently for the use of solar panels is the increase in weight owing to the mounting of solar panel on the roof. Polysilicon solar panels are heavy and exert a drag on the vehicle, reducing the range and life of the battery in electric or hybrid vehicles and decreasing the fuel-efficiency in conventional cars. 'Polysilicon solar panels tend to add to the weight of the vehicle due to the solar panel installed on the roof, lowering the interest in solar roof panels,' explains the analyst. 'The additional weight would lead to higher operational costs for the vehicles.' Apart from polysilicon cells, the only other commercially available solution is thin-film solar cells, which have caught the attention of vehicle manufacturers’ because of their lightweight and flexibility. Vehicle manufacturers have developed concept vehicles with this technology and some of them are working towards production models.
One disadvantage of this technology is its low efficiency. However, mounting the thin-film solar cells is not design intensive due to its flexibility and can be used to cover larger surface areas to compensate for the drop in. 'Research & Development has led to lighter, more flexible and robust thin film technologies and third generation solar cells, although they are less efficient than polysilicon solar cells,' concludes the analyst. Vehicle manufactures are already investigating the use of thin-film technologies that are commercially available for advanced roof solutions and have developed concept vehicles for them. Third-generation solar cells are currently under development and are expected to be deployed in the interior of the vehicle as well as on the roofs, doors, and windows.
Technologies
The following technologies are covered in this research:
- Polysilicon solar cell
- Thin-film technologies
- Third generation solar cells
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