It sounds like a good idea to utilize solar energy for charging electric bicycles. However, the high cost of solar energy panels limited the use of solar energy-powered bicycles in reality. To solve the problem, a Japanese company has developed the solar shed, hoping to reduce the cost through multiple bicycles sharing one solar panel while charging.

So far three subway stations in Japan have started to put the solar shed into operation, capable of simultaneously charging 100 electric bicycles, which are for rent to meet short-distance transportation needs.

The solar shed utilizes solar energy panels to generate electricity, which is saved in a large-capacity Lithium hydronium cell, and transmitted to the rechargeable Li-ion batteries in individual electric bicycles. Because of the large storage capacity of the public battery, even when electricity is barely generated during continuous wet weather or equipment maintenance, the solar energy shed can still support electric bicycles for 2~3 consecutive days

Because of the success of the solar energy bicycle shed, researchers have now turned to developing the solar energy shed for electric cars. If successful, electric cars could become a means of low carbon transportation in a real sense.

Source:
http://xmwb.news365.com.cn/xz/201003/t20100326_2659177.htm
http://www.jieyue.net/html/cptj/page/homepage_show184375.htm