Fuyao lists a 150-watt-per-square-meter solar sunroof

In Fuyao’s demonstration video, trees slide past above a car while the pattern of solar cells remains visible through the roof. The automotive-glass supplier has now listed the translucent product for sale, saying it can produce up to 150 watts per square meter and supply power for ventilation, connectivity systems and dashcams.

The number is substantial for glass, but it is not a shortcut to a solar-powered car. Electrek puts standard modern solar panels at around 200W per square meter. Fuyao’s panels are translucent, meaning some light passes through them; that reduces their collection efficiency, but makes the material compatible with a roof designed to let light into the cabin.

The intended job is therefore smaller and more practical. Even highly efficient electric vehicles use hundreds of times more power to accelerate up to speed than this roof can provide. Fuyao does not market the system as motor power, or specifically as an electric-vehicle product. One demonstration uses a gas-powered BMW; on such a car, a battery would be needed to store the harvested electricity.

Concretely, the gain is less energy drawn from the vehicle’s main battery for ventilation, connectivity and in-car recording. On an electric vehicle, that could reduce the battery drain from electronics and the need to plug in more often. On a gasoline car, a battery would be needed to store the harvested electricity, while the system could add some electric functions.

The technology remains short of a confirmed vehicle launch. Fuyao has previously said it can manufacture the product at scale, but its product page identifies no customer or production model. Reports linking the glass to BYD, including a possible 8,000 Yuan ($1,192) option delivering 720W at peak, have not been confirmed by either company.