Rahul Somvanshi
Think of putting a thin, flexible solar blanket on Tesla’s angular Cybertruck – that’s what California company Sunflare Solar showed off at CES 2025. Their new wrap, which works like a phone screen protector but captures sunlight for power, aims to add extra driving miles without plugging in.
The solar wrap system costs as much as a home appliance upgrade – $10,000. It uses special bendy solar cells (called CIGS) that stick to the Cybertruck’s metal skin like a second layer. On sunny days, these cells can generate power similar to running fifteen microwave ovens at once (1.5 kilowatts). This extra power means driving an additional 12 to 18 miles daily without charging, about the distance of a typical grocery run.
Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk talked about adding solar power to Tesla cars back in 2017. By 2019, he promised the Cybertruck would have a solar roof option adding 15 miles of range per day. While Tesla hasn’t delivered on this feature yet, Sunflare Solar stepped in with their solution that covers not just the roof, but much of the truck’s surface.
The wrap transforms the Cybertruck into a rolling solar panel, ideal for camping trips or remote work sites where charging stations are scarce. Just like a portable power bank charges your phone, this system includes a powerful 5-kilowatt battery inverter to store and use the solar energy. The company backs their technology with a 15-year warranty, about as long as many home solar panel guarantees.
But there’s a catch. The Cybertruck’s original stainless steel exterior is famously tough – you can hit it with a sledgehammer without leaving a mark. Adding delicate solar cells is like putting a expensive glass screen protector on an armored phone case. The wrap might get damaged during off-road adventures or even regular car washes. Imagine driving a vehicle wrapped in thousands of dollars worth of sensitive electronics during rough outdoor conditions.
Solar panels on cars face another challenge – they can’t soak up as much sun as panels on a house roof. A moving vehicle rarely keeps its panels at the perfect angle toward the sun, unlike fixed home installations that can be positioned for maximum exposure. The wrap might add enough range for a quick trip to the store, but it won’t replace regular charging.
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The price raises practical questions too. At $10,000, the system costs about the same as installing several home appliances. For that investment, buyers get a sophisticated system that includes the solar wrap and a battery inverter powerful enough to run multiple home devices (5 kilowatts). The 15-year warranty provides long-term coverage for the system.
This technology shows how solar power is evolving beyond traditional roof panels. As solar cells get more efficient and flexible, we might see more vehicles incorporating them. For now, the Cybertruck solar wrap offers a glimpse of future possibilities, even if it’s not yet the perfect solution for everyone’s daily driving needs.
Potential buyers need to weigh the benefits against real-world use. The system might make sense for someone regularly driving in sunny areas far from charging stations. However, for daily commuters with access to home or public charging, the same $10,000 might be better spent on a home solar system that can power both their house and car more efficiently.
