Solving the 12V Problem: The Hidden Role of Solar in Fleet Reliability
As the UK’s commercial vehicle sector continues its shift towards electrification, fleet operators are discovering that the road to net zero isn’t just about the size of the battery pack or the range on a single charge. A far smaller component — the humble 12V battery — is fast emerging as one of the most significant factors in keeping electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) on the road.
When the 12V battery fails, so does the van. Locks won’t release, safety systems don’t initialise, and the vehicle becomes completely inoperable — a phenomenon commonly known as “bricking.” For fleet operators managing hundreds or even thousands of eLCVs, this is more than an inconvenience. It means lost working hours, frustrated drivers, customer disruption, and mounting costs.
In the last 18 months, several of the UK’s largest and most forward-thinking fleets — Centrica, Network Rail, BT/Openreach, among them — have turned to a simple but effective solution: solar power.
Solar on the Move
Solar technology has long been associated with static infrastructure and domestic energy, but its use on vehicles has evolved rapidly. One of Genie Insights’ most popular products is a discreet 50W solar system specifically designed for eLCVs. A small solar panel mounted on the roof can continuously feed the 12V battery, preventing parasitic drain and extending the vehicle’s operational uptime — particularly in low-mileage, stop-start, or idle-heavy duty cycles.
“Solar isn’t just a sustainability measure; it’s now a reliability measure,” explains Matt Reeve, Managing Director at Genie Insights, a company that has been quietly supplying solar systems to many of the fleets leading the charge in eLCV deployment. “Electric vans are incredibly capable, but their reliance on a small auxiliary battery can create real-world issues. Solar solves that problem in a way that’s simple, autonomous, and proven.”
Quietly Credible
While some companies in the space have built their profile through marketing, Genie Insights has taken a more understated approach. Over six consecutive winters, their systems have been tested in live fleet conditions — producing data that consistently demonstrates reliability and performance. More than 10,000 solar kits supplied by Genie Insights are now in operation across the UK and Europe, a milestone that reflects both the technology’s maturity and the growing trust among fleet decision-makers.
“We’ve never been interested in over-claiming,” says Reeve. “The fleets we work with make decisions based on evidence, not hype. So our focus has always been on proving performance through data, compliance, and long-term delivery.”
That focus on quality and compliance is central to Genie Insights’ approach. Each of its solar kits comes with a range of international quality standards, including IEC and ISO 9001 accreditation and meets with Whole Vehicle Type Approval requirements — credentials that are becoming increasingly critical as leasing companies and vehicle converters look for products that meet OEM-level integration and legislative standards. Every kit is also designed to withstand the demanding conditions of commercial transport – from vibration and shock resistance to full water and dust protection.
Fleet Electrification’s Next Frontier
As fleets scale up their electrification programmes, solar is now being recognised as a small but crucial enabler of efficiency and uptime. The technology helps bridge the operational gap between theory and reality — between ambitious sustainability targets and the daily demands of vehicle availability.
“There’s lots of talk about charging networks and vehicle range in the EV adoption narrative,” says Reeve, “but the conversation also needs to include how vehicles behave in the real world. A van parked up for a week at a depot still consumes power. A solar system ensures it’s ready to go when the driver turns the key. That reliability is what keeps the transition to electric moving forward.”
Beyond eLCVs, the technology is gaining ground in refrigerated transport, municipal fleets, and specialist vehicles, where auxiliary power demand is high and downtime is costly. For many operators, solar is no longer experimental — it’s a practical, low-maintenance way to protect assets and strengthen sustainability performance simultaneously.
A Turning Point for Solar in Transport
As more leasing providers and fleet management companies — such as Novuna and Holman — integrate solar into their conversion specifications, the technology is moving from optional add-on to operational standard. In an environment where reliability, compliance, and sustainability now sit side by side, solar represents a rare win-win for all three.
“We’re reaching a point where solar will be viewed in the same way as racking or telematics,” Reeve predicts. “It’s just part of the fit-out. And that’s exactly how it should be — invisible, reliable, and always working in the background.”
For a technology that’s been quietly powering the UK’s most advanced fleets for years, that visibility may finally be about to catch up.
For more information, visit www.genieinsights.com
