If you’re looking for a unique idle-reduction solution, eNow has developed a solar power offering specifically for the transportation industry. eNow’s solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are mounted on top of a vehicle’s roof to capture sunlight and convert it to direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity goes to a solar charge controller, which maximizes the power output of the PV panels and then sends the power to an auxiliary load (e.g., HVAC, lift gate, safety lighting, refrigeration) or battery system. When the auxiliary battery is fully charged and the vehicle is not at rest, the system will direct any excess power from the PV panels to power truck accessory loads (e.g., radio, lights, fuel pump), thereby improving over-the-road fuel economy, according to the company.

Click here to read our in-depth story on truck idle reduction equipment options.

eNow’s eCharge solar powered systems also work with many battery-based idle reduction technologies, including factory integration with Bergstrom’s Phoenix No-Idle Thermal Environment (NITE), to replace engine idling with quiet and clean solar power. Surplus power from the solar panels can be directed to the truck’s main battery to offset truck loads or charge the truck batteries, which will extend battery life and reduce downtime and emergency jump starts.

In the event that solar power, alone, is not enough, to meet the auxiliary load requirements and charge the battery, the eCharge system uses the truck’s alternator to charge the auxiliary batteries during normal over-the-road operation just like a conventional battery-based No-Idle HVAC system or Lift Gate. eNow has multiple channel partners, including Bergstrom Climate Comfort, Palfinger Lift Gate, Anthony Lift Gate, Morgan Corporation, Hercules Truck Body and Velociti.

The solar solutions offered by eNow for reduced idle applications were detailed, by the company, in a recently released white paper. Click here to download the paper.