This week at CES, one Tesla Cybertruck made an electrifying debut, literally, by sporting an exterior completely wrapped in flexible solar panels. The futuristic design was showcased by Sunflare, a solar panel company specializing in lightweight and adaptable solar technology. Tesla Owners Silicon Valley shared jaw-dropping images of this innovative Cybertruck on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Cybertruck with @FlexibleFuture solar panels at @CES, incredible!!" The photos immediately sparked conversation, leaving us all with one question: is this the future of electric vehicles, or just a cool CES gimmick? Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the idea of a solar-powered Cybertruck has made headlines with the Cybertruck. Besides the 2021 headline, which I mentioned above, in 2023 Tesla confirmed that the Cybertruck will have solar panel cover, which according to Elon Musk "can generate 15 miles per day." Then it was said that the solar panels will be offered as an accessory. What Can Solar Panels Do for the Cybertruck's Range? Let’s get into the numbers. Flexible solar panels, like the ones showcased, have a theoretical maximum power output of around 1,000 to 1,500 watts (1 to 1.5 kW) under ideal conditions. While this might not seem like much compared to a traditional wall charger or Tesla Supercharger, every bit of energy counts when you're driving an EV like the Cybertruck. If we assume optimal sunlight conditions for about 6 hours a day, these panels could generate 6 to 9 kWh of electricity. For context, the Cybertruck is expected to have a consumption rate of around 2 miles per kWh. This means the panels could add about 12 to 18 miles of range per day. Not bad for a truck that might spend long hours parked in the sun while its owner is out adventuring or working. However, these are best-case scenarios. Weather conditions, the angle of the sun, and other variables would significantly affect real-world performance. Still, the idea of trickle-charging your Cybertruck while it's parked in your driveway or at a campsite is undeniably appealing. Is $10,000 a Fair Price? The $10,000 price tag for the solar setup includes a 5kW battery inverter, which is key to converting solar energy into usable electricity for the Cybertruck. While some might balk at the cost, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. A 15-year warranty means these panels are designed to last, potentially offsetting charging costs over time and adding a layer of energy independence. For comparison, a high-quality home solar panel installation with similar generating capacity would cost about $15,000 to $20,000, making this $10,000 add-on seem relatively affordable. Of course, the actual value depends on how much you drive and whether you frequently have access to sunlight. Here is another video of the CES Cybertruck covered by solar panels.