There are multiple threads dating back years on solar panels, SOTS, solar power chargers, etc. I am just wondering if there have been any recent developments, mods or aftermarket add-ons that would allow the Volt to soak up some of that sun power. It seems like everyone who checks out my car wants to know why the roof is black, and where is the solar?

There are multiple threads dating back years on solar panels, SOTS, solar power chargers, etc. I am just wondering if there have been any recent developments, mods or aftermarket add-ons that would allow the Volt to soak up some of that sun power. It seems like everyone who checks out my car wants to know why the roof is black, and where is the solar?

Black similar to the concept car and the black roof is a new popular style. WOT or someone showed several cars (not all from GM I don't think) with similar black roofs.

Solar on a car at this stage of it's technology would be for PR only. Not a good way to spend money it does not seem (for GM or the customer purchasing).

On the leaf it is a trickle charger for the 12v battery. Like I said PR.

http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/faq/view/14#/leaf-electric-car/faq/view/14

Q: Has anyone considered solar panels on the vehicle for recharging the battery?
A: The Nissan LEAF will have an available small solar panel on the rear spoiler to help charge the 12V accessory battery.

Here is a comment I just made in a later thread on this subject:


At the present time, most PV research is aimed at lowering the cost, never mind the efficiency; but there is a minority effort to maximize efficiency at any cost. The paradigm here is something like the Mars Exploration Rovers, which are completely powered by multi-junction PV cells twice as far away from the Sun. We're obviously talking about a MY considerably later than 2013 before this kind of cell appears on an electric car. Even at this, an EREV40 would probably not fully recharge after a day in the sun. The real deal will be large stationary arrays, made using the cheaper cells, that you can plug into. Plugging in at a workplace, with arrays covering it's large roof area, would amount to the same thing (and at peak demand, this would negate the additional power load). Now, how do we make this happen?