How Carriers Utilize Solar Panels for Cost Reduction and Battery Life Extension

In recent years, the transportation industry has increasingly turned to sustainable practices to reduce costs and minimize environmental impact.

One of the latest trends in this sector is the utilization of solar panels and solar batteries on carriers to not only cut operational expenses but also extend the life of batteries.

The integration of solar panels on carriers such as trucks, ships, and drones is revolutionizing the way these vehicles are powered and operated. Excess energy provide backup power. By harnessing the power of the sun, carriers can significantly reduce their reliance on traditional fuel sources and decrease their carbon footprint. Imagine an excess power utilized through extended period of time?

This article will delve into the various ways in which carriers are incorporating solar panels into their operations to achieve cost savings and improve their overall efficiency despite any upfront cost.

From increasing battery life through continuous charging to powering on-board solar systems, storage battery, cost of ownership, devices, solar panels are becoming an essential component of carriers' energy strategies.

We will explore case studies of carriers that have successfully implemented solar panels, storage system, energy production, maintenance costs, and examine the benefits they have experienced, both in terms of financial savings and operational performance.

Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and considerations involved in integrating solar panels into carrier fleets and provide insights into how companies can effectively leverage this technology to enhance their sustainability efforts.

Are you ready to talk more about clean energy? How about some extra energy for your truck through this power grid? Let's go.

Escalating Trucking Expenses

The escalating expenses across various sectors of a carrier's financial records have led to a reduction in truckload margins, prompting fleets to devise strategies to safeguard their profits. One innovative solution that has emerged is the utilization of solar power to fuel tractor cabs. The advancements in solar panel technology in recent years have spurred greater adoption among carriers.

These lightweight, flexible panels, weighing less than 20 pounds, come equipped with an adhesive for easy attachment to the truck's roof, enabling them to harness solar energy. This energy is then stored in the battery bank of the cab's electric power unit (EPU), resulting in significant fuel savings by minimizing idle time. The panels have the capability to power all amenities within a sleeper cab overnight or to keep drivers comfortable during extended waits at delivery sites.

GP Transco, a dry van carrier, is in the process of outfitting its entire fleet of approximately 600 trucks with solar panels after a successful trial period on 10 trucks over six months. Brett Wilkie, the company's vice president of maintenance and safety, revealed that there is a tailored panel design available for Freightliner's Cascadia model, with plans to install panels on over 200 of these trucks this year.

Wilkie also mentioned the potential application of these panels on the day cabs in their hub-and-spoke setup, where certain trucks may remain inactive for days, ensuring that their batteries remain fully charged at all times.

Truck's Battery System Stem

The primary power demands on a truck's battery system stem from the operation of the in-cab climate control system, as well as the usage of various small appliances and electronic devices such as refrigerators, microwaves, and televisions. Additionally, modern trucks are equipped with advanced telematics, smart sensors, and cameras that continuously draw power from the batteries.

Wilkie explained, "The multitude of modules present in today's trucks consistently consume power at a parasitic level."

Trucks lacking energy-saving panels typically engage in automatic start-up sequences twice nightly for two-hour intervals to recharge the EPU's battery system. Through strategic implementation of energy-efficient technologies, GP Transco has successfully reduced this engine run time to as little as one hour or less.

According to Wilkie, these advancements are projected to yield approximately $1,700 in savings per tractor annually for the company. This calculation is based on an assumed diesel price of $4 per gallon and an average annual mileage of 110,000 miles per truck. Such savings justify the cost of installing these energy-efficient units when purchased in bulk.

Extended Battery Life of Solar Panels

The calculations do not account for the added value of extended battery life due to the elimination of parasitic drain. The costly necessity of jump-starting dead batteries in remote locations is also eliminated.

Moreover, the decrease in idle time, known as "ghost mileage," which puts strain on the engine and alternator, results in longer operational life. Solar units are eligible for mileage and emissions credits in select states, as noted by Venkatesan Murali, the founder and chief technology officer of panel-maker MerlinSolar, in conversation with FreightWaves.

Murali highlighted that the devices offer a return on investment in less than a year, a significant advantage in an industry characterized by narrow profit margins.

The peel-and-stick panels have diverse applications, from space missions to military operations. However, they are most commonly seen on commercial trucks, delivery vans, city buses, and RVs.

Engineering the product to withstand rugged conditions was essential, particularly for military applications where the panels have endured gunfire from adversaries like Isis and the Taliban, yet continued to function reliably.

Despite these challenges, transportation environments present unique obstacles such as road debris, constant vibration, and extreme temperatures, making commercial transportation one of the most demanding environments for solar panel deployment.

In addition to military testing, the panels have been subjected to various climates, from scorching heat in Phoenix to freezing cold in Minnesota, cloudy conditions in Seattle, and humid weather in the Southeast.

Past Truck Solar Panel Limitations

An earlier version of these panels had a limitation wherein if a portion of the surface area was damaged, the entire panel would cease to function. However, recent iterations of the panels now incorporate redundant technology, allowing only the affected section to stop working while the rest of the panel continues to operate at reduced capacity.

MerlinSolar offers a warranty for the panels that extends for the lifetime of the asset to which they are applied.

GP Transco, as part of its in-house operations, installs the panels and wiring on its trucks with a completion time of approximately two hours.

The company replaces its tractors every 3 ½ to four years, and anticipates the panels to remain operational well beyond this timeframe. This longevity is expected to increase the resale value of the equipment in the secondary market and eliminate the need for battery replacements in the EPU system, each costing around $300.

According to Murali, the panels triple the average 18-month lifespan of EPU batteries. Some drivers have reported being able to complete a full 34-hour reset period without idling thanks to the panels.

Solar panels on trailers yield significant power output, particularly when charging reefer batteries on the larger trailer surface. While a typical reefer battery lasts around 18 months, there are instances, such as one known by Murali, where panels from MerlinSolar have powered a reefer battery for 8 ½ years.

Truck Solar Panels Are Beneficial Solutio

Solar panels have proven to be a beneficial solution in alleviating range anxiety for electric commercial trucks by eliminating the need for propulsion batteries to power auxiliary functions such as air conditioning and telematics. This optimization allows for the full utilization of the stated range of a propulsion battery.

Furthermore, the integration of solar panels in the transportation industry extends beyond mere efficiency enhancements. These panels are now being utilized to directly power liftgates on delivery trucks and provide cooling for cargo areas in step vans used for parcel delivery.

A notable example highlighted by Murali involves the utilization of solar panels to harvest electrons on a straight truck, enabling the powering of in-hub wheel motors. This innovation resulted in a significant improvement in fuel efficiency, with average miles per gallon increasing from 14 to 24.7.

While solar panels are a valuable addition to the energy efficiency of commercial trucks, it is important to note that they are not intended to serve as a sole source of propulsion for larger vehicles. Their scope of application is likely limited to smaller vehicles such as golf carts.

In Conclusion

The integration of solar panels by carriers in their infrastructure holds promising benefits for both cost reduction and battery life extension. By harnessing solar energy, carriers can mitigate their operational expenses and contribute towards a more sustainable environment.

Through the utilization of solar panels, carriers can also improve the longevity and efficiency of their battery systems, ensuring a more reliable and resilient network. As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, the adoption of solar technology presents itself as a viable solution for enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Embracing these innovative practices will not only drive cost savings but also pave the way for a more sustainable future in the telecommunications sector.

If you want to stay updated with a wide range of trends, actionable insights, and innovative solutions in the trucking, freight, and logistics industry, stay connected to us.

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