Independent with solar power from SOLARA
Solar power for autonomous transportation systems, traffic management. Car2X, V2X, vehicles, FIPV/VIPV
A large number of products and devices require an independent power supply. Either there is no power connection available, or connecting to the grid is too expensive and complicated. Furthermore, over two billion people worldwide currently lack access to a reliable energy supply.
But many devices simply don't work without electricity. Parking meters, streetlights, and even all communication via mobile networks or the internet often rely on a dependable power supply. Whether it's traffic systems, traffic management, or Car2X/V2X, solar power makes it all possible everywhere. SOLARA solar modules and complete stand-alone systems, also known as off-grid or island systems, produce the necessary electricity in an environmentally friendly way, without emissions. SOLARA also offers suitable solar modules for FIPV/VIPV. SOLARA provides high-quality and affordable solutions for reliable solar electrification. For locations without a suitable power connection or in remote regions, we offer self-sufficient solar power supply solutions.
Many important applications – safely and reliably powered by solar energy!
Intelligent transportation systems of the future powered by solar energy
Modern and sustainable transport technology 4.0 with solar modules from SOLARA
Mobile LED traffic jam warning system
The mobile LED traffic jam warning system from IBOMADE is an intelligent traffic jam detection system with state-of-the-art technology – an innovation for greater road safety and modern traffic management.
Dynamic detour signage
Dynamic detour signage is a smart traffic technology for intelligent traffic management – automated detour recommendations are no longer a utopia, but thanks to IBOMADE part of the new reality.
Traffic data collection
Traffic capacity, congestion detection, wrong-way driver detection and much more – IBOMADE's traffic data acquisition provides crucial data for various areas such as future-oriented traffic planning.
Variable message signs
The LED variable message signs are versatile and equipped with optimally coordinated components – the state-of-the-art traffic technology is energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable.
Solar powered Car2X or Car-to-Infrastructure
Solar-powered Car2X or Car-to-Infrastructure technology represents the future of modern mobility. These communicating vehicles require a corresponding infrastructure in cities and communities that can be supplied with solar power regardless of location.
Traffic lights can also be equipped with solar panels for this purpose, so that they can communicate with cars in the future.
V2X communication via WLAN hotspots powered by solar energy
Solar-powered communication between traffic lights and vehicles is independent of an electrical infrastructure. The traffic light systems are equipped with solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspots and connected to a traffic control center. This solar-powered technology is called V2X, where V stands for vehicle and X for various devices or systems. Using V2X, traffic lights can send data to cars via solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspots and also receive data from vehicles via Wi-Fi. In addition, solar-powered traffic lights send data to the so-called "mobility data marketplace," which provides information on traffic jams, construction sites, traffic flow, and much more.
Image by Ildigo on Pixabay
Dynamic traffic control powered autonomously by solar modules – Flexible control of traffic situations.
Image by Shaun Finn on Pixabay
Energy-efficient LED variable message signs (VMS) equipped with solar panels provide road users on highways and all other roads with up-to-date traffic information. Traffic signs and speed indicators fitted with solar cells help prevent accidents and positively influence traffic flow. Lanes can be flexibly displayed and changed using solar power. Dynamic solar route information boards with a small solar panel can display alternative routes at any location in the event of traffic jams or road closures. Weigh-in-motion devices with solar cells can also be used in locations without a power supply to monitor overloaded trucks.
Vehicles with integrated solar technology
Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (FIPV)
Electric mobility and solar power are the ideal combination. A solar system on the roof, carport, parking lot, etc., generates the electricity for electric cars in the immediate vicinity.
Electric vehicles with solar panels are the ideal solution. This makes the electric vehicle completely independent of charging stations. Of course, it's essential to install a sufficient number of solar cells on or attached to the vehicle. Commercial vehicles, such as trucks, often have ample space for solar modules. This is known as vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (FIPV).
A consortium led by the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hameln (ISFH) has taken the first steps toward vehicle-integrated photovoltaics. ISFH has equipped a light commercial vehicle with photovoltaics (VIPV). The solar cells on the vehicle generate solar power from sunlight. This solar power charges the vehicle's high-voltage batteries. In this prototype, the solar power from the system currently serves to extend the vehicle's range. In this case, this translates to greater range, reduced fuel consumption, and significant CO2 savings through vehicle-integrated photovoltaics.
The large body surfaces of a van or truck offer ample space for mounting solar panels or solar modules. These photovoltaic panels, or vehicle-integrated solar systems, not only charge the battery for the electric motor but also supply electricity to the vehicle's auxiliary systems.
Vehicle integrated PV (VIPV)
Integrated solar cells, or solar modules, have been used for several years in car sunroofs (e.g., in Audi vehicles) or on refrigerated truck bodies. Integrated photovoltaics have proven themselves there as an additional energy source for air conditioning or refrigeration. These solar applications typically operate at low voltage levels of 12 V or 24 V.
Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) already existed in the 1960s. However, the special streamlined, lightweight solar vehicles with integrated solar cells were a niche market. Even then, these vehicles with integrated solar technology had to prove themselves in global competition. Universities, researchers, and students were the key drivers of these small solar vehicles with built-in solar modules or solar cells.
Solar outer skin, or solar body
Munich-based startup Sono has developed the Sion concept electric vehicle with a solar-powered exterior. Solar cells are integrated into the vehicle's outer skin, powering the car independently of an external power source. The solar energy generated by the exterior is stored in the vehicle's battery and is available for propulsion and other electrical components.