Solar powered cars already exist, but their limitations are great. Mazda was among the first companies to tinker with solar roofing ideas, but the costs for the cars were outrageous, accompanying many other problematic issues.

For cars available today, solar power recharges the battery when they are parked. Afterwards, the car can be used, but only for a limited time. Solar power takes up a lot of room for the PV cells. BUT, if those cells could be carried aboard your car, where would you put them? The obvious answer is the roof, where they can be exposed to the sky and sun.

That said, Sunrise Solar has introduced the latest in sun roofs: solar sunroofs for your car. The solar panel would in effect replace ordinary tinted glass. With PV cells to produce the electricity, in the sun roof, you could recharge your car’s battery and use solar power to turn up the AC for your driving comfort. At this time, though, that is about all the small panels would be able to do because of weight limitations.

But imagine the possibilities. Imagine getting in your car and starting it up with energy directly from the sun. Imagine taking a trip, never stopping for fuel, and riding in complete comfort with all electrical luxuries powered up as you need them: AC, stereo, heater, electric gadgets for seats, windows, you name it, because your panels have been charging, whether you’re in or out of your car.

Sunrise Solar hasn’t given much information as to the descriptions of the sunroof, such as electrical output of the PV cells, nor has it said anything on the pricing. However, Toyota is sticking to their pursuit for solar powered cars and intends to use the solar sun roofs and make them available in their 2010 Pruis.

Eddie Austin, Chairman and CEO of Sunrise Solar Corp, did have this to say:

“Delivering solutions that improve people’s lives while reducing our dependence on foreign oil is the name of the game. Our goal is to be a leader in delivering innovative products and solutions that meet our customer’s energy needs.”

The concept is great with great potential. How much so? We will just have to wait and see.

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Posted on September 3rd in Solar News by admin.