Solar panels for trucks offer a practical way to reduce diesel consumption, lower emissions, and extend battery life across commercial fleets.
Flexible solar panels for trucks: cutting fuel use and emissions
Flexible solar panels installed on truck roofs and aerodynamic fairings can reduce diesel consumption and support decarbonization. A Class 8 semi-truck can consume around 3.8 liters of diesel per hour while idling, with the generator running to maintain power for onboard systems. If this figure is multiplied by 5 hours per day for at least 200 days per year, fuel consumption quickly becomes significant, along with the associated CO₂ emissions.
How solar panels for trucks reduce fuel use during idling
From the United States comes an innovative solar solution called EPEQ Solar Assist, developed by Vanair and designed for direct integration into work trucks, fleets, and OEM platforms. The system can reduce emissions from stationary vehicles by up to 70%, without affecting the operation of the cab or onboard systems that require continuous power, such as GPS, tire pressure monitoring systems, and safety devices that remain active even when the vehicle is not moving.
Flexible technology for mobile applications
These systems rely on flexible photovoltaic panels with a thickness of just 3 mm, capable of adapting to curved truck surfaces such as cab roofs or trailer tops, without requiring bulky mounting structures. The panels are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, including more than 130,000 vibration cycles, hail impact, debris, and hurricane-force winds exceeding 240 km/h.
Energy reliability is ensured by a mesh design with over 2,100 conductive pathways, allowing the system to maintain performance even under partial shading or diffuse light, conditions commonly experienced by moving vehicles.
The panels can also be integrated with battery packs and inverters ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 W, enabling the operation of air conditioning systems, power tools, and 230 V equipment without starting the truck engine.
Energy efficiency and predictive maintenance
The system includes an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller, capable of capturing up to 45% more energy compared to standard systems, ensuring higher overall efficiency.
Truck batteries are particularly vulnerable to deep discharge cycles, but solar support helps maintain an optimal state of charge, reducing internal chemical wear. Continuous solar input can extend battery lifespan by up to 200%, lowering the need for early replacement.
By maintaining consistent charging, the system also helps prevent startup failures and reduces roadside assistance interventions caused by depleted batteries. It supports voltage levels from 12V up to higher-voltage applications, making it suitable for liftgates, refrigeration units, and auxiliary systems.
Plug-and-play integration for fleet deployment
A key advantage of this solution is its ease of installation. The system is delivered pre-wired and directly integrated into the equipment, eliminating the need for additional cabling or complex modifications to the vehicle structure.
