This Rooftop EV Solar Box Unravels To 6x Its Size And Enables Off-Grid Charging

GoSun which is becoming a brand recognized for its innovative solar-powered products such as camping trailers and tiny homes, has transformed significantly since its early days of quirky solar hot dog cookers.

One of their latest innovation, the EV Solar Charger, provides a smart off-grid option for charging electric vehicles (EVs). This device presents a distinctive method for harnessing solar energy, usable both during travel and while stationary, offering EV owners a convenient alternative to conventional charging stations.

The EV Solar Charger is a compact, 70-pound unit that sits on top of a vehicle, looking a lot like a sleek rooftop cargo box. It comes equipped with 200 watts of solar panels, providing a basic amount of power similar to what’s often found on RVs. While the charger does give some juice while you’re on the move, the real magic happens when the car is parked.

At that point, you can open up the box and unfold additional solar panels over the windshield, hood, and trunk, boosting the total output to 1,200 watts. This setup lets you plug a 120-volt output cable into your car’s charging port, delivering Level 1 charging straight from the sun.

The design is sturdy enough to handle various conditions, with the panels staying put in winds up to 30 mph and the closed box secure at speeds up to 100 mph on the highway. Although it won’t replace a super-fast charger, the EV Solar Charger can add up to 30 miles of range on a sunny day. On average, though, you can expect an extra 10 to 20 miles daily, depending on the weather. This extra range is especially useful for short daily commutes, as it accumulates while your car is parked without needing a plug-in power source.

An added advantage of the EV Solar Charger is its ability to shade your car’s windows when the panels are extended. This shading effect helps keep the interior cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning and consequently conserving your vehicle’s battery power.

The EV Solar Charger, priced at $2,999, is available for preorder and is expected to start shipping in 2025. When incorporated into a home energy system, it might qualify for a 30% tax credit through the US Residential Clean Energy Credit. The installation is user-friendly and takes approximately 20 minutes. This environmentally friendly option provides EV owners with a practical and sustainable means to enhance their vehicle’s range by utilizing solar energy, serving as a convenient alternative to conventional charging options.