Galileo said, “The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.”

So what’s one more task for Ol’ Sol? In addition to ripening those grapes, the sun also can help keep them fresh as they’re transported from farm to market to home. According to a report from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), “interest in solar panels is growing among fleet managers because truck batteries are often no longer able to meet the power needs of today’s trucks due to increased driver comfort demands, idle reduction regulations and increased tracking requirements.”- According to the article from the supplychaindive.com and its author BarryHochfelder

Three uses of solar power panels on trucks

Solar panels for trucks differ from those we’re used to seeing on fixed buildings, which are rigid and thick. Panels for trucks are flexible, thin, lightweight and can be affixed to the curves of a tractor. The NACFE report focuses on the three primary uses of solar on tractors:

1. Supplementing the battery power for heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
2. Sleeper amenities (televisions, coffee makers, and microwaves, for example).
3. Liftgates, Etc…

Many trends are driving the advancement of solar technology for trucks, including the driver shortage, hours of service regulations, the solar investment tax credit and even the emergence of commercial battery electric vehicles, the report said. “Solar technology is also constantly evolving, and the future might lead to improved technologies, cost reductions, more electrification of trucking loads, and extended trade cycles.”- Also according to the article from the supplychaindive.com and its author BarryHochfelder

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Source and credits: supplychaindive.com/ BarryHochfelder and iTrucker  / Mario Pawlowski