An assembly for recharging an electric vehicle comprising at least one solar panel positioned above surface of a vehicle; at least one motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one solar panel for positioning the at least one solar panel; the at least one solar panel operating to cover at least one window of the vehicle in a first position and to provide an unobstructed view in a second position; the panel moving from the first position to the second position by operation of the at least one motor assembly. A method of recharging an electric vehicle comprising placing a retractable solar collector on the roof of a vehicle, the retractable solar collector having an open position in which maximum exposure of the solar collector to the sun is enable, to a closed position in which the vehicle may be transported without the solar collector blocking the view of the driver, the retractor solar collector comprising interconnected sections which fold together in the closed position and which cover at least the windshield of the car in the open position.