The Solar Window company makes a film that is transparent which would capture light and turn it into electricity. This would work well on even the windshield!
Is Aptera in touch with Solar Window (wndw)?
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If I remember correctly, those "solar windows" are only about 50% transparent. Perfectly fine for office windows (those are often tinted anyway) and perhaps rear windows of vehicles, but not suitable for a windshield.
Unfortunately the transparent solar cells currently seem to be much less efficient than what Aptera has on the hatch glass & the dashboard (under the windshield glass). Maybe in a few years they'll become more efficient, but then again, opaque cells will likely also improve.
I hope they're in touch or will be in touch with them. I personally think the application of solar cells that aren't transparent on the window of the hatch was a bad idea (even though it is just an option). I know cameras provide the rear view, but as one who has experienced a back up camera failing on several occasions, I think an old school rear view mirror is necessary as a back up. The transparent cells ngjunk refers to would solve this problem for the rear hatch window and like he said, even applying them to the windshield as well. Not sure how that might effect the windshield wiper (which has been confirmed as a one blade for the entire windshield wiper). If the wiper couldn't clearly wipe water and debris from the transparent solar cells covering the windshield, then it shouldn't happen. That said, I'm hoping it could work.
If I remember correctly, those "solar windows" are only about 50% transparent. Perfectly fine for office windows (those are often tinted anyway) and perhaps rear windows of vehicles, but not suitable for a windshield.
Unfortunately the transparent solar cells currently seem to be much less efficient than what Aptera has on the hatch glass & the dashboard (under the windshield glass). Maybe in a few years they'll become more efficient, but then again, opaque cells will likely also improve.
I believe the Solar Window "film" could be placed on the inside of the car. So, the wipers would not be affected.
https://www.aptera.us/forum/aptera-design-discussion/color-neutral-semitransparent-organic-photovoltaic-for-power-window-application
I hope they're in touch or will be in touch with them. I personally think the application of solar cells that aren't transparent on the window of the hatch was a bad idea (even though it is just an option). I know cameras provide the rear view, but as one who has experienced a back up camera failing on several occasions, I think an old school rear view mirror is necessary as a back up. The transparent cells ngjunk refers to would solve this problem for the rear hatch window and like he said, even applying them to the windshield as well. Not sure how that might effect the windshield wiper (which has been confirmed as a one blade for the entire windshield wiper). If the wiper couldn't clearly wipe water and debris from the transparent solar cells covering the windshield, then it shouldn't happen. That said, I'm hoping it could work.