IM Efficiency Expands into Chile with Trailer Logistics – Walmart Chile is the First to drive with SolarOnTop Technology

IM Efficiency, the Dutch innovator in vehicle-integrated photovoltaic technology, is proud to announce its official expansion into South America, marking its first entry into the Chilean transport and logistics market through a strategic partnership with Trailer Logistics, an industry leader known for its forward-thinking solutions. The partnership is already making an impact, with Walmart Chile now operating Burgers double-deck trailers equipped with SolarOnTop.

Harnessing the Chilean the Sun for Sustainable Logistics

Chile is one of the sunniest countries in the world, and its unique geography—from the desert in the north to the cooler regions in the south. This variety translates to different driving patterns and enhanced SolarOnTop performance.

The sun is a clean, renewable, and abundant energy source—free of cost and free of risk. SolarOnTop taps into this renewable resource, delivering consistent, uninterrupted energy to trucks and trailers. The result? No downtime, reduced fuel consumption—just reliable, clean power from the sun.

Chile is one of the sunniest countries in the world. With more consistent sunlight throughout the year, the solar generation can reach up to 35 kWh per day in the summer and 10 kWh per day in winter, with a total yearly output of 7,667 kWh. This significantly reduces reliance on diesel, potentially saving up to 8,000 liters per trailer each year. Furthermore, SolarOnTop makes trailer operations more reliable, as it keeps the trailer battery healthier and more charged. (These numbers are based on a simulation.). Compared to Europe, where SolarOnTop generates around 5,000 kWh/year, Chile’s performance is about 53% higher.

Walmart: Deliver with sun, Deliver with care

Walmart Chile is now using Trailer Logistics’ double-deck trailers powered by SolarOnTop, an innovative technology that powers all electrical systems in the truck and trailer—including tail lifts, movable floors, and more—via solar energy.

This Burgers double-deck trailer can carry 60% more cargo than conventional trailers. SolarOnTop meets this demand sustainably, eliminating the need for auxiliary power from the diesel or LNG engine in trailer operations. By reducing CO₂ emissions, cutting fuel consumption, and enhancing energy reliability, SolarOnTop supports Walmart’s mission to build a greener future.

Through this partnership, Walmart Chile is reinventing sustainable logistics, ensuring that every delivery not only meets operational demands but also contributes to environmental responsibility.

The technology behind the SolarOnTop

SolarOnTop is an onboard solar technology designed specifically for trucks and trailers. By installing solar panels on the trailer’s roof, it harnesses solar energy to power all 24-volt equipment within the truck-trailer combination.

Energy generated from the solar panels—whether the vehicle is driving or stationary—is stored in the SolarOnTop lithium battery, ensuring that your devices and battery are always charged, regardless of the weather or time of day.

With our SolarOnTop’s smart energy management system, energy is distributed intelligently to trucks and trailers based on their specific needs, ensuring optimal fuel savings and energy efficiency. For example, if the tail lift is not in use, excess energy can be stored or redirected to other functions, optimizing energy use and ensuring efficiency.

Plug and Play installation – Ready in a day

SolarOnTop is a plug-and-play, non-invasive solution that can be installed in just one day, allowing you to harness the power of the sun immediately. It’s compatible with both new and existing trailers, and adaptable to all types of trailers—double-deck, bulk, semi-trailers, bulk trailers, rigid trucks…—as well as EV, diesel, LNG, and hybrid vehicles.