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StateChemist t1_j1dyv7k wrote

Reply to comment by Turksarama in Paper-Thin Solar Makes Any Surface Photovoltaic Unroll this solar carpet onto a roof—or any other surface that sees sunlight by tonymmorley

On the roof of a truck or other vehicle?

Minimal added weight, some efficiency added from solar gains.

Obviously won’t power the whole thing but can increase range slightly or top you off while you are parked at work.

I’m intrigued.

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Turksarama t1_j1fpga4 wrote

Power per square metre is far more important. There's maybe two EVs which aren't even on the market yet with solar panels on them and one of them is absolutely optimised for efficiency (aptera). They're typically not worth it, you're better off just having panels on a roof facing the right direction and charging a battery.

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StateChemist t1_j1hspzs wrote

Por que no los dos?

You say typically not worth it.

I hear typically not worth it, yet.

For things that move, lightweight is very important.

For houses I agree efficiency per area is more important.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t uses for this tech, just means it won’t revolutionarily replace rooftop panels.

But I’m in favor of all research in this sector, every innovation adds to the toolkit a renewable future might need.

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