Mobility with a touch of SOLTECH
I won the Sun Trip thanks to SOLTECH’s panels.
There is no doubt about that
In 2018, Raf won with his solar bike Sun Trip, an international race for solar bikes from Lyon to China.
In 2021, the eco-adventurer will come out with a new, improved model.
All classic bicycle parts have been revisited, refined and tested for mass production.
A wind fairing with solar cells provides less resistance and additional solar energy.
A clever piece of R&D with unseen potential.
The story of Raf and his solar bike has already been widely reported in various media outlets.
Less well known is the fact that the solar panels he used are to the credit of SOLTECH and its team of engineers.
More than that; Raf is convinced that he could never have won the race without our technology.
“If people aren’t laughing at your dreams … then they aren’t big enough!
– Grayson Marshall
Raf: “Ten years ago, I wanted to develop a cart for behind my electric bike. The plan was to install a solar panel on the cart to increase the battery range to 70 km per day. When I initially approached SOLTECH with my idea, Stefan (Product Development Manager) had to laugh a bit at first. But the engineers at SOLTECH do love a challenge, and eventually, together with Het Fietslab, they put their backs into the project.”
“I had to disconnect panels, or I overloaded my battery”
Year after year, Raf and his partners improved the design.
Full of confidence, he stood at the starting line of the Sun Trip in 2018.
The combination of aluminum panels with SOLTECH’s cells was a success.
“Few companies can laminate well on aluminum,” Raf said, “the Belgians are lucky to have such a machine in Belgium.
While the other candidates struggled with heat, the aluminum panel provided adequate heat dissipation.
“The efficiency was so high at times that I had to disconnect cells to avoid overloading my battery. Other participants stood by and watched (jealously).”
Raf Van Hulle
Reliability of material most important factor for success
Materials should be trusted.
SOLTECH’s solar panels are flexible, lightweight and impact resistant.
Very important properties for a crucial component that, exposed to the elements, has to endure a lot.
If one cell does break, it just lets the power through and doesn’t shut down the others.
An improvement that makes a world of difference.
Complete freedom in mobility, less dream than reality
In 2021, Raf is all set for the future with his latest solar bike.
Instead of a trailer bike, he has switched to an aerodynamic windshield with solar cells.
Raf: “The new windshield could only come about by using very flexible solar cells. A bending is now possible that previously could not be realized.”
This setup, combined with optimizations to the bike’s frame, ensures that we are just about ready for mass production.
Together with The Fietslab, Raf went even one step further.
All parts of the bike are easy to maintain or, if necessary, replace yourself.
The thoughtful product development brings complete freedom in mobility within everyone’s reach.
Cycling to the race
Raf: “My dream?
Next time we SunTrip to China, I will also return by bike because distance is no longer an obstacle.
The feeling of the sun giving you direct energy to the battery is fantastic. When the sun comes back out from behind the clouds and the engine increases in power, like a sailboat, that’s blissful.”
Want to know more?
These projects also received a touch of SOLTECH
Marcel Pagnol school
Manufacture and supply of insulated photovoltaic glass for rooftop application.
Hurks de Brand
Manufacturing and supply of laminated photovoltaic sun shade as well as engineering and supply of all system components.
Canopy Mortsel
Manufacturing and supply of laminated photovoltaic glass as well as the engineering, installation work, the connection to the grid, testing and commissioning.
CEDUBO
Manufacturing and supply of insulated photovoltaic glass as well as the installation work, connection to the grid, testing and commissioning.
Carreau du Temple
Manufacture and supply of explosion insulated photovoltaic glass as well as engineering and supply of all system components.
Confederatie bouw
Manufacturing and supply of laminated photovoltaic glass as well as engineering, connection to the grid, testing and commissioning.
Bio-incubator
Manufacturing and supply of laminated photovoltaic sun shades as well as engineering and supply of all system components.
Your project full of energy
Whatever your project, Soltech puts energy into it.
Stand alone or building integrated.
With “a touch of SOLTECH,” your project too will be a sustainable reference of its kind in no time.