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Power on the go with solar - less idling, more range
The development of new solutions for the transportation industry is moving fast. We keep up and continuously test initiatives when it makes sense in our operations. That's why two of our trucks now run with solar panels on the roof.
When a driver is on long trips, there may be several nights in the truck. Waiting for loading and unloading - for example in northern Sweden - means that the truck serves as a place to stay: sleeping, watching TV, making food and coffee, and charging phones/computers. All of this requires power. Traditionally, the need is often met by idling to charge the batteries.
Solar cells reduce the need for idling
With solar panels on the roof, the auxiliary energy for the cabin/living area can be produced while the car is running - and when it is stationary. This can reduce the need for idling and therefore reduce diesel consumption and CO₂ emissions associated with idling. For drivers, this means less worry about power consumption and more peace of mind.
The technology behind it
We use solar cells from Green Energy / MIPV.pro, developed for mobile devices. Vehicles have different requirements than buildings: the panels must be lightweight, withstand vibrations and movement, and fit curved surfaces.
The common crystalline silicon panels typically found on roofs and solar farms are rigid and heavy and are best suited for stationary installations. On vehicles, vibrations, impacts and temperature fluctuations can stress the material and degrade performance over time. "Flexible" crystalline panels are also available, but repeated bending and movement can also affect durability.
On our trucks we use CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, selenide) panels instead. The active layer is deposited on a thin, robust carrier and the panels are designed for low weight and high vibration tolerance. The panels are bonded to the roof with automotive-approved materials and connected via an MPPT charge controller that controls the charging of the batteries, both while driving and at standstill. The solution is designed for operation on mobile platforms and daily use in transportation environments.
Satisfied drivers - and learning to operate
With solar cells, we can maintain power to the cabin without starting the engine in many situations. This provides better comfort for the drivers and can contribute to lower fuel consumption at standstill. We are now rolling out and testing the solution on several cars to gather operational experience and data - and so far the feedback is positive.
