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OPES Solar Mobility is introducing a new generation of flexible solar modules designed for vehicle roofs, with production scheduled to begin this year at a new facility in Zwenkau, Saxony. The modules are positioned for commercial vehicle applications where large roof surfaces and high auxiliary electricity demand make onboard solar a practical lever for cost and emissions reduction.
Why it matters for buses and coaches
Buses and coaches increasingly rely on electrical auxiliaries such as HVAC, passenger information systems, CCTV, onboard connectivity, door systems, ramp and lift systems, and charging ports. In diesel fleets, these loads are typically covered by the alternator, indirectly increasing fuel consumption. Roof mounted photovoltaics can supply part of this auxiliary demand, reducing alternator load, lowering fuel burn, and improving operational efficiency.
What is new in the module design
The new module generation uses a “Matrix” cell layout intended to improve energy yield under real world conditions, especially partial shading, which is common in urban bus operations. The architecture arranges cells in a masonry like pattern and uses a conductive adhesive interconnection concept instead of traditional ribbon soldering, targeting both higher active cell area and higher durability.
Built for heavy duty duty cycles
Vehicle mounted solar faces harsher conditions than stationary systems, including constant vibration, temperature cycling, shocks, and higher dirt accumulation. OPES positions the technology mix as a response to these constraints, aiming for stable performance and long service life in mobile applications.
Deployment relevance
For operators, the value case is straightforward, reduce operating costs by offsetting auxiliary power, reduce emissions, and protect batteries by limiting deep discharge events. For OEMs and bodybuilders, the product is positioned as an integration ready component that can be designed into production builds or offered as retrofit, depending on vehicle platform strategy.
