Original Article

Vehicle integrated photovoltaics module architecture optimization under dynamic shading

Instituto de Energía Solar-Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (IES-UPM), Madrid, Spain

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Received: 14 August 2025
Accepted: 1 December 2025
Published online: 16 January 2026

Abstract

Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV) can extend driving range, reduce charging needs, and ease grid demand in electric vehicles. However, unlike conventional PV systems, VIPV modules operate under non-uniform irradiance and dynamic (often partial) shading conditions. Cell interconnection topologies, the module architecture, and strategies such as Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (DMPPT) influence the performance of the modules under these specific conditions. This study evaluates the performance of shingled-cell modules under real dynamic urban shading on a clear day, using image-based data and electrical simulations with different MPPT strategies. Eight configurations were assessed, combining two cell orientations (horizontal and vertical), two interconnection types (series and total-cross-tied, TCT), and two layouts (single large module, SLM, and six mini-modules, 6 MM). Classification method for both the driving environment and shading profiles shape are proposed on this paper. The findings resulting from this work revealed that shadows are uniformly distributed over the vehicle's roof while in motion on a long enough period (∼17 min), the orientation of cells is irrelevant, except that it affects the number of available bypass diodes, and using a distributed module strategy presents improvements in the PV system's performance thanks to its resilience to partial shading.