Interest in solar panels has grown because truck batteries are often no longer able to meet the power needs of today's trucks due to increased driver comfort demands, new idle reduction legislation and increased freight tracking requirements.
To help fleets objectively evaluate the benefits and challenges of solar panels in their operation, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency has issued a Confidence Report on Solar for Trucks and Trailers. The report aims to explain solar applications for tractors and trailers, describe conditions to take into account when evaluating whether to invest in solar panels and create awareness about the major trends driving and influencing the field of solar technologies as applied to commercial vehicles.
The report found that the main use of solar on tractors is to supplement battery HVAC systems and hotel loads without adding additional batteries to the truck.
Henry Albert of Albert Trucking has solar panels on his vehicle and says, "Sitting here at the dock, in the hot sun, having solar power to keep my batteries charged and have the air conditioning inside the cab works out very nice since the addition of the [solar] system to my truck."
Albert's truck was outfitted with solar panels during NACFE's Run on Less event last fall, during which Albert and six other drivers achieved an average of 10.1 MPG.
Solar applications for trailers include support for liftgates, telematics and refrigeration units. "If a trailer has small electrical loads like a telematics system, then a small solar panel that ensures that the system will have virtually 100 percent availability for trailer location and other related data makes a great deal of sense," says Mike Roeth, NACFE executive director.
NACFE found that the biggest benefits of solar panels came from extending battery life and avoiding emergency roadside assistance for dead batteries. Many fleet users are happy with the investment they made and intend to continue to use solar panels in the future.
The report includes best practice tips for evaluating whether solar panels are a good investment for a fleet. A confidence matrix and payback calculator are other tools included with the report.
