A leading OEM will integrate Apollo’s solar sheets

24 May, 2022

The solar flexible panels developed by Apollo will be integrated starting at 2024 in vehicles at the "after market" stage. In the past, the company reported a pilot with Volkswagen's Audi AG 

First commercial agreement for Apollo Power Company from Yoqneam, Israel, in the global automotive market. Earlier this month the company announced to Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange that it has signed a long-term agreement with one of the leading European automotive groups. The group, which is considered one of the largest automotive groups in the world, will integrate Apollo’s flexible solar panels in its vehicles at the end of the production phase (after market). Apollo estimates that within the agreement, that is planned to be initiated in 2024 for a period of 10 years, it will provide tens of thousands of sheets at a total value of $33 million  In addition, the company plans to establish a new production line, designated specifically for that client. 

Apollo did not disclosed the manufacturer’s identity in its announcement, but it may be noted that in August 2020 the company had signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the German manufacturer Audi AG. This MOU was intended to examine the viability of integrating Apollo’s technology in Audi’s or Volkswagen’s vehicles. Later, in November 2020, Apollo announced a pilot with the Chinese automotive corporation Geely, owner of Volvo Cars. 

A solar solution for non-flat surfaces

Founded in 2014, Apollo Power is controlled by Westar Holdings (61%) and its operations are carried out through its wholly-owned subsidiary SolarPaint. Its main target markets are floating solar, automotive, and off grid applications. Thanks to their elasticity and low weight, the solar sheets can be easily deployed on top of uneven surfaces, and thus utilize structures and areas where hard and heavy panels cannot be installed. The main disadvantage of flexible solar sheets lies in their lower energy conversion efficiency compared to rigid solar panels.

Apollo Power’s technology and composition of materials are protected by undisclosed registered patents. According to the company, it has achieved 16.75% conversion efficiency – relatively high compared to competing solutions. The sheets weight 0.5-2 kg per square meter. The use of flexible sheets is particularly suitable for the electric and hybrid vehicle industry, as their light weight allows them to be positioned over the entire surface of the vehicle, including the roof and hood, and thus attain an additional energy source to increase the vehicle’s range, or to reduce the batteries’ capacity.

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Posted in: Automotive , News

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