in this wintertime video my custom electric bike operates on just 3 volts or sub-15 watts of solar power, the lightweight hand made solar panel is rated for approximately 24 watts in optimal conditions. monocrystalline silicon solar cells are used but they offer just 16-17% in efficiency and are extremely brittle, newer flexible pv cell technology is close to 11% more efficient. two summers ago i initially performed a three-volt solar powered ride and was successful, i never got to video document that special test and have diligently been fighting set backs since then to make this video happen. out from my tool chest what i have now shown is basically a reflector that has extremely high-diffuse reflectance and has greater than 97% reflectance across the visible spectrum. with amazing advances announced in photovoltaics in labs during the past year alone, i believe we are on the cusp of a new age of solar transportation.