Velociti recently announced a partnership with Merlin Solar. Through its Instant ROI program, Velociti allows fleets to use the return on investment (ROI) from using solar power to pay for the solution while bringing forth savings on fuel, extending battery life and reducing overall carbon footprint. As a certified Merlin Solar partner, Velociti will offer a turn-key solution, including product, deployment and maintenance for commercial vehicles, trailers, liftgates, and last mile delivery vans. For added protection, Velociti’s VeloCare program provides customizable front-line support, proactive technology health monitoring and field repairs as part of the program.
Merlin Solar has set out to fundamentally rethink the way solar panels are engineered with the goal of far reaching deployment. The Merlin grid-patented technology is 80% lighter than glass systems, saving 20% more energy in real world conditions, according to the manufacturer. Merlin Solar’s design is more durable than standard solar panels with 2.5 times higher power density than thin film technology.
The companies noted that solar power is useful for supplying energy to parts of the vehicle that normally would be powered by the battery, extending the runtime of battery HVAC systems while also reducing the load on the alternator and resulting in fuel savings. Switching to solar also reduces idling time and extends the life of a transportation asset, all additional ways to control expenditures.
