Jul 21 2010
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Quantum) has obtained a contract from Fisker Automotive for the purpose of implementing and engineering production tooling meant for the solar PV roof module of Fisker Karma.
Under the contract, Quantum along with Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH (Asola) its German affiliate, will be designing and procuring production tooling in order to commence solar roof modules production by 2010 end. As per the terms of a supply arrangement, for Fisker Karma, in terms of supplying solar roof modules, Quantum is likely to be the sole supplier.
For Fisker Karma, Quantum and Asola together have developed a huge monolithic automotive solar roof, slated to be one of the biggest in the world involving complex double curvature. Under demanding automotive servicing conditions, this team of Quantum-Asola has ensured product durability by developing proprietary technologies as well as processes for integrating solar cells of high efficiency on curvature substrates.
The Fisker Karma solar PV roof module has been designed for generating clean renewable electricity of about 130 W capacity. This helps the car of Fisker Karma in maintaining cool interiors even while being parked under the sun and charges a 12 V ancillary battery. The large solar PV roof module represents a key feature of the plug-in, high-performance, luxury hybrid electric sedan of Fisker Karma.