Is solar a viable ancillary power option for heavy-duty trucks?

Is solar a viable ancillary power option for heavy-duty trucks?

Every day the sun sends its powerful rays to Earth. In fact, NASA satellite missions have noted that “at Earth’s average distance from the Sun (about 150 million kilometers), the average intensity of solar energy reaching the top of the atmosphere directly facing the Sun is about 1,360 watts per square meter.” That’s enough to power 136 100-watt light bulbs (I like easy math), but what about enough to provide heavy-duty trucks with ancillary power for increased start-ability, for example?

To find out, I connected with DJ Hasler, strategic account manager at Xantrex, to detail the capabilities of today’s solar solutions and dig through the use cases for harnessing the sun’s rays to your fleet’s advantage. Watch the video above for the details.

No script? No plan? No problem. Welcome to Fleet Equipment Unscripted—the video interview series that connects you with the greatest minds in the heavy-duty trucking world.

Bookmark the Fleet Equipment Unscripted page to catch all of our Unscripted episodes, and subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here to have the latest news and in-depth trucking stories delivered straight to your inbox.

You May Also Like

PACCAR Parts German distribution center breaks ground

According to PACCAR, the facility will have the capacity to store over 80,000 different parts.

PACCAR Parts began construction of a new Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in the city of Massbach, Bayern, Germany. An official ceremony was held to mark the occasion, signaling the beginning of a $91.5 million (€85 million) investment, according to the company.

PACCAR notes that the new 240,000-square-foot (22,000 square meters) facility will be situated on a 54-acre (22 hectares) site and is expected to open in 2024. The operation is designed to provide improved service to the DAF dealer network with shipments and emergency orders delivered within hours. According to PACCAR, the facility will have the capacity to store over 80,000 different parts. The Massbach PDC will utilize technologies such as voice-directed material handling, advanced scanning equipment and automated packaging systems, the company says

Double Coin announces new appointments

As regional sales managers, Crandall will manage the Mississippi River/Mid-South region and Decker will oversee the Western region.

Roadwarrior introduces line of EGR coolers

The EGR coolers are tailored for Cummins, Volvo, Mack, and Detroit heavy-duty engines.

Aperia Technologies moves to new headquarters

The move reinforces its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Aperia says.

Aperia-Technologies-Unveils-New-Headquarters
Dayton Parts introduces replacement solutions

The new parts cover several Volvo and Mack heavy-duty applications.

Other Posts

Photo Gallery: Driving Volvo Trucks electric European lineup

Behind the wheel of Volvo Trucks’s zero-emissions European lineup and what it might mean for the U.S.

ITS-ME-vtc_electric1143-1400
The progression of commercial vehicle technician education

Demonstrating their understanding at every station, the highly skilled technicians took pride in their work.

Answering the biggest zero-emissions trucks questions

Volvo Trucks fields questions from what type of zero-emissions technology will work for certain applications and how it impact fleets.

Roger-Alm-Jessica-Sandstrom-Volvo-Trucks-1400
Volvo Trucks on its global zero-emissions trucks strategy

Hydrogen fuel cell development, electric truck technology and infrastructure rollout dominates the conversation.

Volvo-Trucks-Zero-Emissions-Global-Featured-1400