Imagine never needing to hunt for an EV charging station again. Omid Sadeghpour, the mind behind DartSolar, has made this a near reality with innovative rooftop solar panels designed for his Tesla Model Y.

This ingenious system collects solar energy while parked, potentially adding up to 20 miles of range daily. With the upcoming Beta2 version, DartSolar is poised to transform how we power our electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles spend a substantial amount of time parked, presenting a golden opportunity for solar charging. DartSolar capitalizes on this, offering an aerodynamic, weatherproof, and secure rooftop solar panel system that deploys in mere seconds.

The Beta 1 Prototype: A Collaborative Effort

Developed with Jeran Bruce at California's Forged Makerspace, the Beta 1 prototype utilizes nine flexible 175-watt solar panels. Its lightweight wood and carbon-fiber structure fits within the Tesla Model Y's roof weight limit and a standard parking space. This initial design generates about 6 kWh daily, adding approximately 20 miles of driving range.

Beta 2: A Leap Forward in Solar Charging

Beta 2 represents a significant upgrade, incorporating a carbon fiber frame for improved aerodynamics and a potential 4,000-watt capacity, offering up to 45 miles of range per day. The groundbreaking dynamic charging feature allows for charging while driving, adapting to different configurations for optimal performance.

Practical Uses and the Future of DartSolar

DartSolar offers a practical solution for EV charging in remote locations and serves as a backup power source during outages. While not yet commercially available, Sadeghpour plans to share blueprints on the DartSolar website, fostering further innovation in solar technology.

DartSolar is more than just car charging; it's a paradigm shift in renewable energy utilization. With the advancements in Beta 2, this innovation has the potential to revolutionize EV charging and propel us toward a more sustainable future.