First performance study of a solar-powered commercial truck using SolarOnTop

IM Efficiency, a leading innovator in solar transportation solutions, releases the first annual performance report of a commercial truck powered by solar energy operating in Europe. The report presents the results of the SolarOnTop technology integrated into Van Rijnsbergen's fleet, a Dutch transportation company. From July 1, 2022, to June 28, 2023, SolarOnTop successfully powered 53% of the electrical needs of the Van Rijnsbergen truck using solar energy.

Truck powered by solar energy using SolarOnTop

During 2.256 hours of operation, the HVAC system and other electrical appliances operated solely on solar energy, resulting in savings of 1.672 liters of fuel and a reduction of 5.401 kg of CO₂ emissions. These remarkable results further demonstrate the tangible impact of SolarOnTop on fleet operations and its pivotal role in fostering sustainability and efficiency within the transportation sector.

With SolarOnTop, we now have a fully functional system that allows our drivers to enjoy a cooled break and a good night's sleep without needing to start the engine. Even with temperatures above thirty degrees Celsius, the air conditioning unit keeps running on solar power, providing a comfortable environment for our drivers.

- Anja Van Rijnsbergen, Business Owner of Van Rijnsbergen.

Infographic with study and research results on trucks powered by solar energy | Report on solar panels for trucks

Revolutionizing truck power with solar energy

Van Rijnsbergen, a Dutch transportation company, has revolutionized its approach to powering air conditioning systems and electrical appliances by harnessing the power of the sun. Through the adoption of SolarOnTop technology, Van Rijnsbergen drivers no longer need to keep their engines running to generate power; instead, they can enjoy a cool cabin with a continuous and sustainable power supply.

Previously, drivers would idle their engines for hundreds of hours each year to power the air conditioner during breaks, resulting in high fuel consumption, tons of CO₂ emissions, and discomfort for drivers.

Our biggest motivation was to ensure that the air conditioning and refrigerator could operate during our daytime breaks when we sleep.

- Anja Van Rijnsbergen, Business Owner of Van Rijnsbergen.

By installing solar panels atop the Van Rijnsbergen trailer, SolarOnTop efficiently converts solar energy into green and cost-free electricity to power all onboard electrical appliances within the truck-trailer combination. The excess energy generated during the day is stored in SolarOnTop's lithium battery, ready to supply power to the HVAC system and 24V equipement during nighttime or adverse weather conditions, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply.

At the core of the SolarOnTop technology lies the intelligent energy management system, which allocates energy to the tractor and trailer electronics according to their needs. For example, when the HVAC system is in operation, it runs on solar energy. When not in use, solar power is delivered to auxiliary devices, provides support to the truck engine, or is stored in the lithium battery for later use.

SolarOnTop impact in numbers

Solar-powered HVAC: 56% of HVAC operation was covered by SolarOnTop.

SolarOnTop energy supply: SolarOnTop supplied 928 kWh of energy, covering 53% of the truck's total electrical energy needs.

Fuel reduction: A significant decrease in fuel consumption by 1.672 liters. Of this, 681 liters were saved from powering the HVAC system and 991 liters from charging electrical devices and reducing engine load.

Environmental impact: CO₂ emissions are reduced by 5.401 kg, allowing Van Rijnsbergen to provide eco-friendly transportation services to its customers.

Driver comfort: Drivers enjoyed a quieter and more comfortable rest environment without the noise of an idling engine or disruptions from hotel load shutdowns. This positively impacted their productivity, improved punctuality in deliveries, and minimized downtime. Furthermore, the risk of accidents and damages was reduced, as well-rested drivers remained alert.

Thanks to SolarOnTop, our driver experiences a less stressful workweek, and our diesel fuel consumption has decreased, resulting in lower CO₂ emissions.

- Anja Van Rijnsbergen, Business Owner of Van Rijnsbergen.

The measured impact and proven results of SolarOnTop technology stand as yet another evidence of the important role of solar energy in making the transportation industry sustainable and efficient. By harnessing the sun's energy, transport and logistics companies can now reduce their environmental footprint, enhance operational efficiency, and improve driver comfort.

Van Rijnsbergen

Van Rijnsbergen V.O.F, a transportation company operating in Europe, has equipped one of its vehicles with the SolarOnTop technology. This vehicle is used to transport plants from the Netherlands to Germany and Switzerland, covering about 210.000 kilometers per year and spending 4.680-5.200 hours on the road annually.