Volvo Embeds Batteries into Body Panels

[Obormot]

solar cell film consists of many small individyal cells.

if damaged one or two - i think not a big problem, other will work.

[Ryland]

Originally Posted by Obormot

solar cell film consists of many small individyal cells.

if damaged one or two - i think not a big problem, other will work.

Where are you getting your information from?

The problem that I've seen with solar film is that hail will destroy a panel, because instead of a hard layer of glass it tends to be thin plastic, I have seen this first had, others have seen it, companies that make them have gone under because of this fact and they are not made out of many small cells, the flexible panels are made out of flexible cells that are so thin that if they flex to much they break, one cell gets damaged in a string and the whole string stops working.

[Obormot]

RC7.2-75 PSA - PowerFilm Solar

size of one self-adhesive cell is 90 x 270 mm

also i can search for some projects of huge RC airplane with solar elements on wings, they using different self-adhesive solar cells (Sunpower A-300 solar cells), different size, slightly bigger as i remember

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

That's an interesting project, a good way to overcome the space taken by a conventional battery pack. Combining the lighter weight of carbon-fiber panels, which also have a good chemical stability (thus not requiring priming or painting), and the possibility to wrap it with photovoltaic cells, this can lead to a great imrpovement in the efficiency which easily justifies the initially higher cost. Would be a nice way to turn a V40 into a Prius-killer

[Ryland]

The question is not if it can be done, but is it practical, cost effective and durable?

I agree with others, make the floor of the car the battery pack, I have seen vehicle floors damaged in a crash and even saw them repaired, but at that point it was already nearly $20,000 worth of damage!
A fender should not cost around $5,000 because I've driven vehicles that have had the fenders repaired or replaced multiple times, it's a common repair.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Ryland

I agree with others, make the floor of the car the battery pack, I have seen vehicle floors damaged in a crash and even saw them repaired, but at that point it was already nearly $20,000 worth of damage!

The floor being a point less vulnerable to crashes, that would be a good option. And it would not prevent the use of some under-body protections to decrease the extention of minor damages.