# Solarmotive Seeking alternative energy sources, like solar panels, to power vehicles. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Sep 25, 2008, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/solarmotive-seeking-altnernative-energy-sources-like-solar-panels-to-power ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Solarmotive trend? **Solarmotive:** The economy is weaning itself from its oil dependency, shifting to more eco-friendly fuel alternatives. Solar energy is promising to be one of the most influential energy alternatives in many sectors, including automotive; the new Toyota Prius will include solar panels, the first of its kind on the market. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 11 to Sep 4, 2008 - Published: Sep 25, 2008 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Solarmotive trend ### Shift to eco-friendly fuel alternatives The economy's shift to eco-friendly fuel alternatives, such as solar energy, is leading to innovations in various sectors from transportation to toys. ### Promotion of solar energy The promotion and integration of solar energy as an alternative energy source is breaking into a more mainstream market, from solar-powered highways and cars to solar energy for air conditioning. ### Innovations in solar panels Advancements in solar technology are leading to new innovations such as Lumeta PowerPly's 'peel and stick' solar panels or solar-powered car charging such as the Brisa Three Wheeler's solar powered car carrier. ## What the Solarmotive trend means for industry ### For Automotive The eco-friendly fuel shift and promotion of solar energy has led to the creation of electric, hybrid, and solar-powered cars in the automotive industry. ### For Toy The promotion of solar energy has influenced the creation of solar-powered toys that do not require batteries. ### For Construction/Roofing Innovations in solar panels are creating new opportunities for the roofing industry, as companies shift towards a more eco-friendly source of energy. ## Trend signals for Solarmotive Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 76%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 76% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Solarmotive trend 9 featured examples from Jan 11 to Sep 4, 2008. - [Eco-Retro](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vw-westfalia-eco-retro): Retro VW Camper Goes Green (Category: Autos) Implication: Opportunity for automobile manufacturers to develop and promote green vehicles. - [Super Hybrid Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antro-solo): Antro Solo is Solar, Human & Gas-Electric (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate hybrid power arrangements and lightweight materials into the design and manufacturing processes of automotive vehicles. - [Peel & Stick Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peel-stick-solar-panels): Lumeta PowerPly (Category: Eco) Implication: The Lumeta PowerPly peel-and-stick solar panels offer a disruptive innovation opportunity in the renewable energy industry, making solar energy more accessible and cost-effective. - [Eco Solar Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brisa-three-wheeler-eco-car): The Brisa Three Wheeler (Category: Autos) Implication: Automotive manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalize on the trend of eco-friendly three-wheeled vehicles powered by solar energy, particularly those with expertise in lightw… - [Solar Power For Mainstream Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-prius-solar-roof): Toyota Prius Hybrid Gets Solar Roof (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive industry has an opportunity to incorporate solar power technology into vehicles and further promote sustainable transportation. - [Hydrogen Powered Car Requires Only Water And Sunlight](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogen-powered-car-wins-2008-toyaward-corgi-h2go-requires-only-water-and): Corgi H2Go (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate hydrogen fuel cell technology into the automotive industry to advance the development of green vehicles and reduce carbon emissions. - [Solar-Powered Cars Inspired by Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vacuum-guru-to-design-solar-powered-car-dyson-powered-eco-vehicle): Dyson Powered Eco-Vehicle (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive industry has the opportunity to explore and develop renewable energy vehicles. - [Solar-Powered Highways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clean-renewable-energy-solar-powered-highway-in-oregon): Oregon's Renewable Energy Project (Category: Eco) Implication: The renewable energy industry can benefit from the expansion of solar-powered highway projects. - [Solar Car Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-car-carriers-toyota-cargo-ships-go-green): Toyota Cargo Ships Go Green (Category: Autos) Implication: Reducing carbon footprint in automotive transportation by using solar-powered cargo ships for vehicle delivery. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sugar Moderation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sugar-moderation) (Lifestyle) - [Luxury Electrification](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/luxury-electrification) (Autos) - [Effortless Rounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/golf-training-devices) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Rotation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/rotating-bakery-menu) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Roomier Budget Electric Hatchbacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roomier-budget-electric-hatchbacks) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)