Hyundai/Kia Vehicles to Offer Solar Panels

Hyundai Motor Co. and its Kia Motor Corp. affiliate will begin offering solar charging panels on select models next year.

The carmakers are developing three types of panels. Designed for hybrid vehicles, the first-generation silicon units will be integrated into the roof and are capable of providing as much as a 60% charge to the car’s battery over the course of a day, according to Hyundai.

The second-generation panels will be used in conventionally powered vehicles, an application Hyundai touts as an industry first. The semi-transparent panels will be integrated into a panoramic sunroof. Hyundai didn’t say how much charging this system will provide.

The third-generation option, which is still being tested, is designed for plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Hyundai says the panels can be integrated into the hood or roof of the vehicle.

A 100-W solar panel can produce as much as 100 W/hours of energy during peak sunlight conditions. The energy can be stored in the battery or used to decrease the load on the generator. A dedicated control unit is used to manage voltage and optimize the efficiency of the electricity harvested by the solar array, according to the carmaker.