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An empirical assessment of transient irradiance to foster vehicle-integrated photovoltaics technology in highway routes–An Indian case study

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  • Pochont, Nitin Ralph
  • Raja Sekhar, Y.
  • Brito, Miguel C.
  • Tirupati Rao, V.

Abstract

Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) represents a strategic notion aimed at facilitating decarbonization in passenger and freight transportation mediums. Empirical studies have examined the solar irradiance on moving vehicles across various regions, while real-time assessments remain scarce in low-latitude regions like India, particularly for long-distance highway travel. This study employs an empirical approach to evaluate the potential for photovoltaic integration in these conditions. In-situ measurements were conducted along an Indian highway across different seasons. The influence of vehicle orientation and road dynamics were studied on the vehicle's surface exposure metrics. Results indicate that, at lower solar elevation, the doors postulate to 35 % of the incident irradiance, while the roof and bonnet account for 65 %. During periods of low solar azimuth, the door exposure decreases to 20 %. A proposed photovoltaic integration model suggests that a passenger car can endure a solar energy harvest of 0.675 kWh, 0.504 kWh, and 0.729 kWh for 3 h of travel, thereby enabling a solar fraction of 5.25 % and extending the drive range by ∼8 km.

Suggested Citation

  • Pochont, Nitin Ralph & Raja Sekhar, Y. & Brito, Miguel C. & Tirupati Rao, V., 2025. "An empirical assessment of transient irradiance to foster vehicle-integrated photovoltaics technology in highway routes–An Indian case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:328:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225021450
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136503
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