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The van

On-board solar system

A deployable photovoltaic roof to produce the energy of the journey directly from the sun.

On-board solar system

Integrating solar energy onto a vehicle to such a massive scale represents huge challenges. It requires the highest possible efficiency while remaining ultra lightweight. It has to be durable and withstand harsh weather and wind conditions. All these requirements were uniquely combined in this demonstrator. Our design optimises the energy conversion efficiency from solar to battery and propulsion, allowing for high autonomy while minimizing the amount of batteries required. We are collaborating with the CSEM institute, who has built the solar PV panels for the SolarImpulse plane, to build the best solution possible. Thanks to innovative technology, we can use our self-generated solar power not only for the vehicle, but we can power events, festivals, utilities and much more. It is the future of V2X power anywhere you need.

Inside the prototype

A deployable, tilting solar array

A rigid honeycomb main surface keeps charging when the panels are folded. Lightweight deployable surfaces use bifacial cells, with motorized inclination for solar tracking. The 24 m² deployed surface is about four times the roof area.

Solar power for driving and other uses

Soleva’s schematic states around 150 km of solar charge per day while parked with panels deployed and tilted, versus 30 km with panels folded flat while driving, based on annual average Swiss irradiance. A 3.5 kW DC/AC inverter also powers the living space and external events (V2X).

Key characteristics

  • High-performance solar panels developed by CSEM and the EPFL PV-Lab
  • 5 kW of on-board solar power
  • Lightweight, reinforced, hail-resistant structure
  • Deployable system to maximize the capture surface
  • Around 150 km of solar charge per day while parked with panels deployed
  • V2X technology: external power for events and services
  • BRUSA HyPower DC-DC converter optimizing the panels → battery flow

Our approach

  1. 01

    Design

    Developing panels adapted to the roof surface, in collaboration with CSEM and the EPFL PV-Lab.

  2. 02

    Manufacturing

    Producing lightweight honeycomb-structured modules, weather-resistant, made in Switzerland.

  3. 03

    Integration

    Installing the deployable system on the van roof with an adjustment mechanism to optimize orientation.

  4. 04

    Optimization

    Calibrating the complete energy chain: panels → converter → battery → propulsion and habitat.

Frequently asked questions

Does the van run on solar power alone?

The goal is to maximize solar autonomy. In favorable conditions, the panels provide up to 150 km of charge per day. The van can also be recharged at standard charging stations.

Who developed the solar panels?

The panels were developed by CSEM (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology) in collaboration with the EPFL PV-Lab, two leading institutions in Switzerland.

Can the solar system be adapted to other vehicles?

That is one of the project's ambitions: to demonstrate that this technology can be transferred to other utility and professional transport vehicles.

The other pillars

Electric conversion

An old combustion van transformed into a 100% electric vehicle through retrofit.

Explore this pillar

Habitat

Our living space lacks none of the key elements of a real home: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. The difference lies in the reused materials and the intelligent integrations.

Explore this pillar

Figures published by Soleva for the first prototype. Performance depends on driving and sunlight conditions.

A question about the van?

Our team will be happy to answer your technical questions or present the project.

Contact us