Swedish truck maker Scania is developing an 18-meter long solar cell-clad trailer that will be able to generate energy from devices along 140m2 of surface area on the sides and roof.
The solar array is being conceived for use on plug-in hybrid trucks to reduce fossil fuel consumption. “Initial tests indicate possible fuel savings of 5-10% in Sweden, and twice that amount in sun-rich southern Spain,” said Scania. “In total, the solar panels are expected, in Sweden, to annually generate 14,000 kWh.”
The research project – funded by Swedish government innovation agency Vinnova, Volkswagen-owned Scania and Swedish trucking company Ernst Express – also aims to test how the solar trailers could feed electricity into the grid when truck batteries are fully charged and vehicles parked.
Swedish thin-film panel maker Midsummer is a partner in the project along with electric vehicle charging company Dalakraft and Sweden’s Uppsala University.
Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and a sister organization are also trying to demonstrate the marketability of PV applications for commercial transport. A three-year research project is set to develop a concept to facilitate vehicle-integrated solar modules for electric cars and heavy-duty vehicles.
Dutch companies Lightyear and DSM NV are also aiming to start commercial production of the former’s electric vehicle solar roof. That 5m² device consists of a double-curved, glass-covered solar panel backed with maximum power point trackers.
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For me, the obvious application of this technology is refrigerated transport. The power from the panels and battery could eliminate the need to run an auxiliary generator to keep the truck refrigerated when parked up during driver breaks.
Yeah totally agree, how about Ambulances they are very heavy vehicles, that would benifit from this technology.
These “Solar Trailets” are ALL Trojan Horses….. hiding their REAL INTENTIONS …. keep Polluting with Gossil Fuels inside a “Gteen” Trojan Horse….. Nothing More… Nothing Less….
It is a shame the Govt. in Sweden will spend scarce “Research Funds” on these diversionary tactics by the Fossil Fuel industry to….. continue polluting and stay in…. business..!!!
Truck trailer roof and upper third PV could be paired with a battery and a single axe regenerative wheel motor axle. diesel or electric tractors remain the prime mover fir hills but the trailer might provide energy savings. When parked the trailers hook up to warehouse power grid powering lights lift trucks and heating g after charging up their own batteries. They reverse meter excesses bak on the utility grid. Distribution centers often have a fleet of trucks full time in their lots to connect with.