Research and Markets: Technological Advancements Open up Opportunities for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry

DUBLIN--(Business Wire)--
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/545a8b/executive_analysis) has
announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "Executive Analysis of
the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive
Industry" to their offering.

Research Overview This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Executive
Analysis of the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European
Automotive Industry provides an overview of the different types of solar cells.
This research service analyses their current and future applications within the
automotive industry with a case study on the polysilicon solar panel industry
and life cycle analysis of the different types of solar cells. Frost &
Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies:
polysilicon solar cell, thin-film technologies, and third-generation solar
cells.

Market Overview

Although presently the market for solar technologies is limited to advanced roof
solutions that use solar cells to ventilate vehicle interiors, technological
innovation will shift the focus of solar cells from comfort and convenience
features to powertrain applications and similar domains within the automotive
industry. Additionally, the costs of solar cells are expected to plummet, making
it affordable to the average customer looking for a less polluting vehicle.
"Solar cells are poised to achieve grid parity in the coming years," says the
analyst of this research. "Subsequently, the cost of solar cells will fall
drastically making them cost effective for automotive applications." Grid parity
occurs when the cost of electricity generated using solar cells equals the cost
of electricity generated using fossil or nuclear fuels. Upon reaching grid
parity, the solar cells will cease to be cost-intensive, leading to inexpensive
automotive solutions.

One of the restraints currently for the use of solar panels is the increase in
weight owing to the mounting of solar panel on the roof. Polysilicon solar
panels are heavy and exert a drag on the vehicle, reducing the range and life of
the battery in electric or hybrid vehicles and decreasing the fuel-efficiency in
conventional cars. "Polysilicon solar panels tend to add to the weight of the
vehicle due to the solar panel installed on the roof, lowering the interest in
solar roof panels," explains the analyst. "The additional weight would lead to
higher operational costs for the vehicles." Apart from polysilicon cells, the
only other commercially available solution is thin-film solar cells, which have
caught the attention of vehicle manufacturers' because of their lightweight and
flexibility. Vehicle manufacturers have developed concept vehicles with this
technology and some of them are working towards production models.

One disadvantage of this technology is its low efficiency. However, mounting the
thin-film solar cells is not design intensive due to its flexibility and can be
used to cover larger surface areas to compensate for the drop in. "Research &
Development has led to lighter, more flexible and robust thin film technologies
and third generation solar cells, although they are less efficient than
polysilicon solar cells," concludes the analyst. Vehicle manufactures are
already investigating the use of thin-film technologies that are commercially
available for advanced roof solutions and have developed concept vehicles for
them. Third-generation solar cells are currently under development and are
expected to be deployed in the interior of the vehicle as well as on the roofs,
doors, and windows.

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

* Polysilicon solar cell
* Thin-film technologies
* Third generation solar cells

Key Topics Covered:

* 1. Market Overview
* 2. Applications for Automotive Industry
* 3. Solar Photo Voltaic Industry Value Chain Analysis
* 4. Conclusions & Opportunities in the Solar Industry

For more information visit
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/545a8b/executive_analysis

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

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