WO2021152617A1

WO2021152617A1 - Solar module installation in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2021152617A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarkar Moumita; Kuchibhotla SARVANI; Nileshwar Pramila Rao; Jabez Dhinagar Samraj
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2020-02-01
Filing date: 2021-01-23
Publication date: 2021-08-05
Also published as: CN115023361A; MX2022009082A

Abstract

A vehicle (101) with an installation of a solar module (104) is provided. The vehicle (101) includes multiple vehicle body panels (101a, 101b, 101c) and asolar module (104) detachably attached to a vehicle body panel (101b) using attachment device, such as, fasteners (105, 106, 107, 108). The solar module (104) comprises multiple solar panels (103a-103h). The vehicle (101) further comprises a cavity (301) in the vehicle body panel (101b) for accommodating the solar module (104) and the cavity (301) includes a first side (105a, 106a, 107a, 108a) of each of the fasteners (105, 106, 107, 108) configured to mate with a second side (105b, 106b, 107b, 108b) to attach the solar module (104) to the vehicle body panel (101b). The vehicle (101) further comprises a storage space (401) positioned on the vehicle body panel (101b) for securing the solar module (104), wherein the solar module (104) is folded.

Description

SOLAR MODULE INSTALLATION IN A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention generally relates to solar panels for driving a vehicle and more particularly to the field of installation of solar panels on the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A solar vehicle, that is, a vehicle running entirely or partially by on-board solar energy harvesters is an implementable solution to the energy crisis that the world is likely to face in future. Conventional solar panels, such as, the silicon based solar panels may be employed for automobile applications due to high efficiency, less cost, and availability of the silicon based solar panels. The silicon- based solar panels are also stable and have less light induced degradation (LID).

[0003] However, such conventional solar panels on-board a vehicle, for example, a two-wheeler are rigid, bulky, and have a large area requirement. The solar panels on-board the vehicle, such as, a four-wheeler, an eight-wheeler, etc., is generally fixed on rooftop which is ideal for the flatness and large area availability on the vehicle. In the case of a solar panel installed on a two-wheeler, the solar panel may be fixed on extra mechanical structures like a canopy over the saddle type two or three-wheeler or panels spread out around the saddle type two or three-wheeler, thereby disrupting the aerodynamics of the two or three-wheeler and adding heavily to the weight of the two or three-wheeler, but also affecting the aesthetics of the vehicle.

[0004] Some advances in the solar panel technology have been able to achieve a light weight solar panel by replacing the conventional glass substrate with polymer substrate as the bottom/top layer. Moreover, non-flexibility of the solar panel is still a hindrance for using on a canopy of two or three-wheeler. Furthermore, the solar panel installation may require a flat surface on the body of the vehicle for long lasting installation. Further, such installation of the solar panels on the two or three-wheeler are prone to theft or damage owing to its installation on the external surface of the vehicle.

[0005] There is a long felt need for an installation of a portable and theft-proof solar panel, on a flat external surface of a vehicle, further to providing auxiliary solar energy to drive the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts or an embodiment in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] An installation of the solar panel on the vehicle disclosed herein results in the solar panel being theft-proof and portable, while being installed on a flat external surface of the vehicle. A vehicle is disclosed herein with such an installation of the solar panel. The vehicle comprises a plurality of vehicle body panels. A solar module is portable and is detachably attached to the vehicle body panel using attachment devices. The attachment devices comprise a first side and a second side. The first side of each of the attachment devices is positioned on one of the vehicle body panels. The solar module comprises a plurality of solar panels. In an embodiment, the solar module is foldable. In an embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a cavity in the vehicle body panel for accommodating the solar module. The cavity comprises the first side of each of the attachment devices. The solar module further comprises the second side of each of the attachment devices that are configured to mate with corresponding first side of each of the attachment devices to attach the solar module to the vehicle body panel. [0008] The vehicle further comprises a storage space positioned on the vehicle body panel for securely storing the solar module, resulting in theft proof installation of the solar module. In an embodiment, the storage space may enclose the attachment devices. The first side of each of the attachment devices positioned on the vehicle body panel provides electrical connections between the solar module and a power source of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown with an embodiment in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific structures and methods disclosed herein. The description of a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

[0010] Fig. 1 exemplarily illustrates a vehicle with an embodiment of an installation of a solar module;

[0011] Fig. 2 exemplarily illustrates the solar module in an open condition;

[0012] Fig. 3 exemplarily illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the installation of the solar module in open condition;

[0013] Fig. 4 exemplarily illustrates a vehicle with an embodiment of the installation of the solar module in open condition, on a vehicle body panel;

[0014] Fig. 5 exemplarily illustrates a front view of the embodiment of the installation of the solar module of Fig. 4;

[0015] Fig. 6 exemplarily illustrates a vehicle with an embodiment of the installation of the solar module in closed condition, on a vehicle body panel;

[0016] Fig. 7 exemplarily illustrates a top view of a storage space in a cavity of the vehicle body panel; and [0017] Fig. 8 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram showing the solar module as an auxiliary source of power in the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Fig. 1 exemplarily illustrates a vehicle 101, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle, with an embodiment of an installation of a solar module 104. In an embodiment, the vehicle 101 may be three-wheeled vehicle. A body of the vehicle 101 may comprise a plurality of vehicle body panels, such as, a front panel 101a, a side panel 101b, a rear panel 101c, etc. As exemplarily illustrated, the solar module 104 is installed on the side panel 101b of the vehicle 101. In an embodiment, the solar module 104 may be installed on the front panel 101a, the rear panel 101c, or a visor of the vehicle 101, etc. In case of a three-wheeled vehicle, the solar module 104 may be installed on roof-top of the vehicle 101. The solar module 104 comprises a plurality of solar panels 103. Each solar panel 103 is an array of solar cells 102. The solar module 104 acts as an auxiliary source of power in the vehicle 101. The vehicle 101 may be an electric -powered vehicle, a fuel-engine vehicle, or a hybrid electric vehicle. In an embodiment, where the vehicle 101 is an electric powered vehicle, the solar module 104 may charge the battery of the vehicle 101. A controller, for example, a solar charge controller 803 as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 8 may select a mode of charging the battery of the vehicle 101.

[0019] As exemplarily illustrated, the solar module 104 is positioned in an open condition on the side panel 101b of the vehicle 101 using one or more fasteners, such as, 105 and 106. The solar module 104 may be detachably attached to the side panel 101b using the fasteners, such as, 105 and 106. The solar module 104 is, thus, portable. In an embodiment, one or more of solar modules, such as, 104 may be positioned on the body of the vehicle 101 and may be functioning independently or in connection with each other. The solar module 104 may be positioned along the body of the vehicle 101 in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction. The location and placement of the solar module 104 on the body of the vehicle 101 is dependent on the size of the solar module 104. The solar module 104 may be of different shapes, for example, a rectangle as exemplarily illustrated. The solar module 104 in the open position may be positioned at the center of the vehicle body panel, such as, the side panel 101b along the height of the vehicle 101.

[0020] The solar module 104 may be foldable. That is, the solar module 104 may be folded along the length of the solar panel 103 as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 2. The solar module 104 in the closed position is securely stored in a storage space 401 as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 7. In an embodiment, the solar module 104 may have a rigid structure. In such an embodiment, the solar module 104 may not be folded and in the open position, the solar module 104 may be enclosed in the storage space 401. The foldable design of the solar module 104 contributes for convenient storage and transportation of the solar module 104.

[0021] Fig. 2 exemplarily illustrates the solar module 104 in the open condition. As exemplarily illustrated, the solar module 104 is foldable along the length of the solar panel 103 about a spacing 201 between the solar panels 103. Each solar panel 103a-103h comprises an array of solar cells 102. The solar panels 103a- 103h may be of rigid crystalline type or flexible type. The solar panels 201 In an embodiment, the solar panels 103a-103h may be attached to a flexible mat base structure to form the solar module 104. The solar module 104 may be stretched on both sides 202 and 203 to be positioned in the open condition. The solar panels 103a-103h form the front surface 204 of the solar module 104 and rear surface 205 the solar module 104 is in contact with the side panel 101b. In an embodiment, the solar module 104 may be stretched on one of the sides 202 or 203 to be positioned in the open condition. One of the sides 202 or 203 of the solar module 104 may be anchored on the vehicle body panel, such as the side panel 101b and the other side 203 or 202 respectively may be stretched to be positioned in an open condition. The solar module 104 may be folded quickly and easily. In an embodiment, the solar module 104 may also include a handle on each of the sides 202 and 203 to open or close the solar module 104.

[0022] Fig. 3 exemplarily illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the installation of the solar module 104 on the vehicle 101 in the open condition. As exemplarily illustrated in this embodiment, the solar module 104 may be positioned in a cavity 301 on the side panel 101b of the vehicle 101. The cavity 301 may be a depression in the side panel 101b and may have the dimensions, such as length and breadth equal to the length and breadth of the solar module 104. The solar module 104 may be steadily positioned in the cavity 301 using the attachment devices provided at the sides 202 and 203 of the solar module 104. The attachment devices, may be, fasteners, brackets, hinges, etc. The cavity 301 comprises a first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of, for example, fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108. The solar module 104 may include corresponding second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108. In an embodiment, the second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 may be extending from the sides 202 and 203 of the solar module 104. In an embodiment, the second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 may be positioned on a front surface 204 or a rear surface 205 of the solar module 104.

[0023] The solar module 104 may be positioned in the cavity 301 in the side panel 101b by mating the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 in the cavity 301 with corresponding second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 in the solar module 104, respectively. Electrical terminals for an electrical connection of the solar module 104 to the wiring harness or power supply system of the vehicle 101 may be positioned within the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108. In an embodiment, the electrical terminals may be in the form of the first side of the fasteners 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a. The first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 on mating with the second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 ensures easy plugin and harvesting of solar energy. The electrical terminals are internally connected to the wiring harness of the vehicle 101, thereby not requiring extraneous infrastructure, such as, cables, connectors, etc., to connect the solar module 104 to the wiring harness of the vehicle 101. The fasteners 105,

106, 107, and 108 may be hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye closure, latches, snap fasteners, a zipper, etc. As exemplarily illustrated, a pair of fasteners 105- 106 and 107-108 are positioned on two opposite sides 202 and 203 of the solar module 104, respectively.

[0024] In an embodiment where the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 are hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^® of Velcro Industries B. V. LLC, Netherlands, the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the hook and loop fasteners 105, 106,

107, and 108 is a linear fabric strip with tiny hooks that may be attached to the side panel 101b. The second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the hook and loop fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 is a linear fabric strip with small loops that may be attached to the rear surface 205 of the solar module 104. The tiny hooks mate with the small loops to temporarily bind the solar module 104 to the side panel 101b. The binding of the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the hook and loop fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 to the second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the hook and loop fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 may provide electrical connection to the solar module 104 to charge the battery of the vehicle 101. The electrical terminals for the electrical connection may be positioned within the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the hook and loop fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 positioned on the side panel 101b of the vehicle 101. The fabric strip may be made of, for example, nylon, plastic, etc.

[0025] In an embodiment where the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 are hook and eye closures, the second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the hook and eye fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 is a metal hook structure extending from the sides 202 and 203 of the solar module 104 and the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and the cavity 301 on the side panel 101b of the vehicle 101. The metal hook structure on the solar module 104 fits in the metal eye on the cavity 301 of the side panel 101b of the vehicle 101 to removably attach the solar module 104 to the side panel 101b of the vehicle 101.

[0026] In an embodiment where the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 are latches, the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 is a circular metallic structure extending upwards from the side panel 101b and a second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 is a linear metallic structure protruding from the rear surface 205 of the solar module 104. The linear metallic structure from the rear surface 205 of the solar module 104 may move inwards and outwards from the circular metallic structure to attach and detach the solar module 104 from the cavity 301 in the side panel 101b. In an embodiment where the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 are zippers, the second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the zippers 105, 106, 107, and 108 may be extending from the side 202 and 203 of the solar module 104 and the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the zippers 105, 106, 107, and 108 may be attached to the side panel 101b in the cavity 301. The first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the zippers 105, 106, 107, and 108 may removably engage with the second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the zippers 105, 106, 107, and 108 to attach and detach the solar module 104 from the side panel 101b.

[0027] In the embodiment where the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 are snap fasteners, the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the snap fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 is a disc attached to the side panel 101b and the disc comprises a protruding circular lip. The second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the snap fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 is another disc with a central groove that may be attached to the rear surface 205 of the solar module 104. The circular lip may fit into the groove to attach the solar module 104 to the side panel 101b as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 5. A predetermined amount of force is needed to engage the circular lip into the groove. Once the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a and the second side 105b, 106b, 107b, and 108b of the snap fasteners are engaged with each other respectively, the electrical connection between the solar module 104 and the electrical terminals in the side panel 101b is established and the battery of the vehicle 101 charges through the solar module 104. In an embodiment, nut and bolt fasteners may be used to attach the solar module 104 to the side panel 101b. For such an attachment, holes may be drilled in the side panel 101b and on the sides 202 and 203 of the solar module 104. The holes in the side panel 101b may be aligned with the holes in the sides 202 and 203 of the solar module 104 and multiple bolts may be passed through the holes. Nuts may be screwed onto the bolts from rear ends of the bolts to attach the solar module 104 to the side panel 101b. On unscrewing the nuts from the bolts, the solar module 104 may be detached from the side panel 101b.

[0028] Fig. 4 exemplarily illustrates the vehicle 101 with an embodiment of the installation of the solar module 104 in the open condition, on a vehicle body panel, such as, the side panel 101b. As exemplarily illustrated, the solar module 104 is attached to the side panel 101b in the cavity 301 by means of snap fasteners, such as, 105 and 106 on one end. The cavity 301 further comprises a storage space 401, for example, a storage box into which the solar module 104 is folded and placed securely. The storage space 401 secures the solar module 104 from being stolen. The storage space 401 may be a rigid metallic structure that encloses the fasteners 107 and 108. The second side 107b and 108b of the snap fasteners 107 and 108 attached to the solar module 104 engage with the first side 107a and 108a of the snap fasteners, such as, 107 and 108 and are enclosed within the storage space 401. The electrical terminals under the first side 107a and 108a of the snap fastener 107 and 108 on the side panel 101b on a side of the cavity 301 are enclosed within the storage space 401.

[0029] In an embodiment, the storage space 401 may be a flexible pouch of any material, such as leather, a polyethylene, etc. The storage space 401 may have a locking mechanism 401a, such as, a latch, a hook and eye closure, etc., to secure the solar module 104 as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 7. For using the solar module 104, the solar module 104 may be pulled out of the storage space 401 and stretched to attach the second side 105b and 106b of the snap fasteners 105 and 106 to the first side 105a and 106a of the snap fasteners 105 and 106 on the side panel 101b. For partially removing the solar module 104, the second side 105b and 106b of the snap fasteners 105 and 106 are pulled apart from the first side 105a and 106a of the snap fasteners 105 and 106 on the side panel 101b. Subsequently, the solar module 104 is folded and stored in the storage space 401. The storage space 401, may be further locked using a locking member or an authorization device, such as, a biometric device to prevent unauthorized access to the solar module 104. The storage space 401 along with the locking member prevents theft of the of the solar module 104 from an unmanned vehicle. The foldable solar module 104 is secured in the storage space 401 when not being used also prolongs the durability of the solar module and prevents it from dust, dirt, water, when not in use.

[0030] Fig. 5 exemplarily illustrates a front view of the embodiment of the installation of the solar module 104 of Fig. 4. As exemplarily illustrated, the solar module 104 is attached to the side panel 101b using snap fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108. A pair of the snap fasteners 107 and 108 are enclosed within the storage space 401. The snap fasteners 107 and 108 enclosed within the storage space 401 form fixed terminals that provide electrical connections between the solar module 104 and the battery of the vehicle 101. The fasteners 105 and 106 form detachable terminals that complete an electrical connection with the fixed terminals to charge the battery of the vehicle or to drive the motor of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the storage space 401 may cover the solar module 104 in the open condition, when the solar module 104 is not in use. The solar module 104 in the closed state is protected from dust, dirt, and water, when not in use. [0031] Fig. 6 exemplarily illustrates the vehicle 101 with an embodiment of the installation of the solar module 104 in the closed condition, on a vehicle body panel, such as, the side panel 101b. As exemplarily illustrated, the solar module 104 is folded and secured inside the storage space 401 with one or more latches, such as, 401a. The storage space 401 may completely accommodate the solar module 104. The width of the storage space 401 may be same as the width of the solar panel 103, as the solar module 104 is folded along the length of the solar panel 103. In an embodiment, the storage space 401 may be positioned erect under the seat of the vehicle 101. That is, the location of the storage space 401 is not limited to being in the cavity of the vehicle body panel. The storage space 401 may be located under the seat of the vehicle 101 in a vertical direction by utilizing the space under the seat of the vehicle 101. In an embodiment, the storage space 401 may be folded and placed in the utility box of the vehicle 101. To use the solar module 104 as a source of energy, the solar module 104 may be pulled out from the storage space 401 from the utility box and may be attached to the side panel 101b using the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108. Suitable instructions for the installation of the solar module 104 may be printed on the side panel 101b at the location of installation of the solar module. The solar module 104 is portable and may be stored in a portable storage space, such as, 401. The solar module 104 is readily detachable for portable use, for example while camping, and avoids security issues, such as, theft. In an embodiment, when the solar module 104 is not removed completely, the solar module 104 may be kept folded under a lock 401a inside the storage space 401, without affecting aesthetics of the vehicle 101.

[0032] Fig. 7 exemplarily illustrates a top view of the storage space 401 in the cavity 301 of the vehicle body panel, such as, the side panel 101b. As exemplarily illustrated, the storage space 401 is positioned in the cavity 301 of the side panel 101b of the vehicle 101 with a locking mechanism 401a. The depth of the storage space 401 may be same as the thickness of the solar module 104 in the closed position. In an embodiment, the depth of the cavity 301 is same as the thickness of the solar module 104 in the closed position. For using, the solar module 104 needs to be unfolded and fixed to the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108 provided on the vehicle body panel 101a, 101b, or 101c on the opposite sides 202 and 203 as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 7. In a three-wheeled vehicle, the storage space, such as, 401 may be positioned within the cabin of the three-wheeled vehicle or under the seat assembly in the front or the rear of the three-wheeled vehicle. The solar module may be installed on the roof-top of the three-wheeled vehicle using fasteners, such as, 105, 106, 107, and 108. In an embodiment, in the roof-top of the three-wheeled vehicle, the solar module 104 may be accommodated in a cavity as being done in a two-wheeled vehicle. When not in use, the solar module 104 may be kept locked under a storage box, such as, 401 to avoid theft, or the solar module 104 may be completely removed for portable use. The portable and foldable solar module 104 avoids extra mechanical structures, such as, a canopy for mounting the solar module 104 and thus does not disturb the aerodynamics of the vehicle 101. In turn, the mileage of the vehicle 101 is increased. The solar module 104 may act as continuous source of clean and green energy for day-time lightings (DRL) in the vehicle 101. The installation of the solar module 104 as described utilizes the body of the two-wheeled vehicle or the three-wheeled vehicle in-spite of 3- dimensional structure, for mounting the solar module 104. Thus, a larger area is available for solar energy generation apart from the conventional areas used in the vehicle 101.

[0033] Fig. 8 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram showing the solar module 104 as an auxiliary source of power in the vehicle 101, such as, an electric vehicle. The battery 804 is the primary source of power in the vehicle 101 as disclosed in the detailed description of Fig. 1. Each solar panel 103 in the solar module 104 is an array of solar cells 102 that convert sunlight to electrical energy to charge the battery 804 of the vehicle 101. The solar module 104 or a main power supply 801, such as, AC mains via a charger 802 may charge the battery 804. A wiring harness of the vehicle 101 may connect the solar module 104 to the battery 804 at the electrical terminals under the first side 105a, 106a, 107a, and 108a of the fasteners 105, 106, 107, and 108. A solar charge controller 803 may be a smart switch and may select between the sources of power, for example, the main power supply 801 or the solar module 104 to charge the battery 804. The solar charge controller 803 may regulate voltage and current from the solar module 104 to charge the battery 804 and avoids overcharging of the battery 804 and may protect the battery 804 from overvoltage. The battery 804 powers multiple energy consuming electrical loads 805 in the vehicle 101, such as, a speedometer, a hom, a turn signal lamp, etc. In an embodiment, multiple solar modules, such as, 104 may be on-board the vehicle 101 on the different vehicle body panels 101a, 101b, or 101c. The solar modules, such as, 104 may be functioning either independently or connected in series or parallel to charge the battery 804. On employing the solar module 104 to charge the battery 804, battery life and the range of the vehicle 101 are enhanced. Further, the solar module 104 may act as an auxiliary source of power in an IC engine vehicle.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A vehicle (101) comprising : a plurality of vehicle body panels (101a, 101b, 101c); a first side (105a, 106a, 107a, 108a) of each of one or more attachment devices (105, 106, 107, 108) positioned on one of the plurality of vehicle body panels (101a, 101b, 101c); and a solar module (104) detachably attached to the one of the plurality of vehicle body panels (101a, 101b, 101c) using the one or more attachment devices (105, 106, 107, 108), for driving the vehicle (101), wherein the solar module (104) comprises a plurality of solar panels (103), and wherein the solar module (104) is portable.

2. The vehicle (101) of claim 1, further comprising a cavity (301) in the one of the plurality of vehicle body panels (101a, 101b, 101c) for accommodating the solar module (104), wherein the cavity (301) comprises the first side (105a, 106a, 107a, 108a) of the each of the one or more attachment devices (105, 106, 107, 108).

3. The vehicle (101) of claim 1, wherein the solar module (104) further comprises a second side of each of the one or more attachment devices (105, 106, 107, 108) configured to mate with corresponding first side (105a, 106a, 107a, 108a) of the each of the one or more attachment devices (105, 106, 107, 108) to detachably attach the solar module (104) to the one of the plurality of vehicle body panels (101a, 101b, 101c).

4. The vehicle (101) of claim 1, wherein the solar module (104) is foldable.

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5. The vehicle (101) of claim 1, further comprising a storage space (401) positioned on the one of the plurality of vehicle body panels (101a, 101b, 101c) for securely storing the solar module (104).

6. The vehicle (101) of claim 5, wherein the storage space (401) encloses the one or more attachment devices (105, 106, 107, 108).

7. The vehicle (101) of claim 1, wherein the one or more attachment devices (105, 106, 107, 108) positioned on the one of the plurality of vehicle body panels (101a, 101b, 101c) provides electrical connections between the solar module (104) and a power source of the vehicle (101).

8. The vehicle (101) of claim 1, wherein the attachment devices (105, 106, 107, 108) are one of fasteners, brackets, hinges, and any combination thereof.

9. vehicle (101) of claim 8, wherein the fasteners are one of snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye closure, latches, and zippers.

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