DHL is equipping their pickup and delivery fleets with Trailar-brand flexible photovoltaic units that generate clean electricity for lift gates and other equipment, reducing dependency on alternator power while keeping auxiliary batteries charged consistently – allowing them a newfound ecofriendly edge.
Kevin Otto of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency has identified an opportunity to harness solar power as a way to help manage electric loads in fleets. As electrical demands on engine alternators increase, Otto suggests considering auxiliary batteries and alternative sources of recharge with strategic use of sunlight’s energy.
Harnessing the power of the sun, solar energy can now provide your refrigeration units and electric liftgates with a reliable trickle charge to ensure they never run out of juice. The right sized solar panels help deliver much more current – making it easier than ever for operations utilizing telematics devices.
Arnold Kowal, director for after-sales support at Maxon Lift revealed that the liftgate industry is still in its infancy when it comes to truck electrification – with only a small portion of commercial vehicles relying on electric power. However, he went on to explain how this shift could drastically alter the industry’s practices and capabilities in various ways such as:
- Reducing weight of product offerings to increase vehicle payload, weight distribution, and battery range
- Offering liftgate models as full bolt-on applications in 12- and 24- volt configurations to eliminate the welding process in the future
Points to Keep in Mind When Considering Solar Options
- Adding solar panels to trailers can help extend battery life and manage electrical loads.
- Be sure to measure the trailer, consider lifts per day, load weights and sizes, as well as weather and climate.
- Ensure that you’re mounting the appropriate number of panels for your needs.
- A single 3-foot by 6-foot panel can enhance operations without breaking the bank.
- Look beyond pricing and consider panel rating, physical size, battery replacement life, and roadside calls.
Source: thetruckersreport
