German automotive supplier Webasto has introduced its EcoPeak system—a vehicle-integrated PV solution designed to generate 350 kWh of electricity annually and reduce roof weight by 40%. This innovative system integrates solar panels into both the rear window and the roof, pioneering new possibilities for the german solar car market.
EcoPeak System
Webasto—a leading developer of vehicle-integrated PV (VIPV) solutions and a prominent automotive industry supplier—has introduced its latest innovation in solar car roof technology: EcoPeak. The new system is designed to generate up to 350 kWh of electricity annually while being 40% lighter than conventional roof systems.
EcoPeak’s innovative design integrates photovoltaic (PV) panels into the vehicle’s rear window and roof area. These panels are composed of triangle-shaped silicon solar cells arranged in a honeycomb matrix, a unique layout that increases the surface area for more efficient energy production. According to Webasto, this could extend a vehicle’s range by up to 2,500 km annually, depending on its type and local climate conditions.
Maximilian Hofbeck, Webasto’s director of product management and sustainability, commented on the design process. “The solar cell design and panel design were done internally by our R&D department. We also explored potential suppliers for a future hardware buildup of this concept,” Hofbeck said.
Vehicle-Integrated PV for Sustainability and Aesthetics
Vehicle-Integrated PV
The EcoPeak concept offers automotive manufacturers the flexibility to prioritize sustainability, aesthetics, or a combination of both. To maximize energy efficiency, solar cells can be placed across the entire surface of the roof and rear window. Alternatively, fewer cells can be used to create a stylish design that allows more natural light into the vehicle’s cabin. This flexibility allows automakers to customize the system to meet specific customer needs.
Webasto has already demonstrated the potential of VIPV systems with past projects like the Fisker Ocean electric sport utility vehicle (SUV). The Fisker Ocean is equipped with a 300 W solar sunroof—also developed by Webasto—that has become a highlight of the vehicle’s design. “The large openable solar roof from Webasto is a real eye-catcher and makes sustainability perceptible,” said Jan Henning Mehlfeldt, a board member at Webasto responsible for the company’s global automotive roof business.
EcoPeak’s Lightweight and Sustainable Materials
One standout feature of the EcoPeak system is its use of polycarbonate instead of aluminum. This material, sourced from biomass-balanced and recycled sources, reduces the system’s weight by up to 40%. Webasto claims this makes the roof significantly lighter without compromising durability or performance. The use of these materials aligns with Webasto’s focus on sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.
The European Chemical Industry Council has highlighted the importance of the biomass balance method. Developed by BASF, this technique uses bio-naphtha or biogas derived from organic waste or vegetable oils to partially replace fossil resources in chemical production.
A Future Focus on Sustainable Vehicle-Integrated PV Solutions
Webasto’s EcoPeak concept is more than an experimental design; it represents the company’s broader commitment to sustainable innovation in the automotive industry. Mehlfeldt explained that Webasto is actively developing sustainable alternatives across all its roof systems. “We are looking closely at the components and sustainable alternatives. We use insights from EcoPeak to offer a wide range of sustainable solutions for customer-specific demands,” he said.
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular and the demand for eco-friendly technologies rises, Webasto’s vehicle-integrated PV solutions could play a key role in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. The EcoPeak system demonstrates how VIPV can reduce a vehicle’s dependency on traditional energy sources. By generating renewable energy directly from the vehicle’s surface, drivers could reduce their charging frequency, particularly for EVs.
Webasto’s EcoPeak concept is a significant step forward in vehicle-integrated PV technology. By improving efficiency while reducing weight, the system addresses key concerns for both automakers and consumers.
