Why does Tesla manufacture solar panels but not install them on its cars?

Tesla is a major player in the photovoltaic industry, serving as a significant source of income, but without any direct influence on its cars.

Tesla has now surpassed the staggering threshold of a trillion dollars in market capitalization. Car sales, of course, contribute more than anything else to this, but Tesla is not just about cars. It is estimated that its energy division currently accounts for more than 10% of the American company’s revenue, with an impressive double-digit annual increase in its income! Thanks to solutions like Powerwall and Powerpack, Tesla generates substantial revenue, but more importantly, it exponentially increases the company’s market value. Tesla also invests in large-scale solutions such as its solar farms and its Megapacks, which can integrate into a public electrical grid.

The idea of equipping Tesla cars with solar panels logically makes sense and is especially appealing, but several obstacles slow this innovation. The main issue lies in the limited surface area of vehicles. Even with ultra-efficient panels, a car could hardly generate more than 1 to 2 kWh per day, which is less than 20 km of range. A negligible gain that holds no practical significance in daily use. Additionally, integrating solar panels would significantly increase vehicle costs without providing meaningful benefits in terms of autonomy.

The technical aspect is also not to be overlooked. The panels need to be lightweight, durable, and designed so as not to disrupt the aerodynamics of the car. Moreover, their efficiency directly depends on sunlight exposure, making this option less relevant in less sunny regions or for vehicles that are often parked in the shade. In short, solar cars at Tesla or elsewhere are not for tomorrow… but maybe in a few years, who knows.

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