Can Solar Battery Maintenance Be Integrated into a Vehicle Type Approved Build?
Yes. Our solar battery maintenance system can be incorporated into new vehicle builds and conversions where vehicle type approval requirements apply.
Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) applies to the completed vehicle rather than the solar system in isolation. The responsibility for the final approval sits with the vehicle manufacturer, bodybuilder or converter, but our role is to ensure that the solar system has the appropriate component compliance, testing and technical documentation to allow it to be considered as part of that wider vehicle approval process.
ECE R10 Compliant Charge Controller
The exclusive MPPT charge controller used within our solar battery maintenance system is ECE R10 compliant for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
ECE Regulation No. 10 relates to the electromagnetic compatibility of vehicles and electrical/electronic components. Equipment added to a vehicle must not create unacceptable electromagnetic interference with other vehicle systems and must have appropriate immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.
Using an ECE R10 compliant charge controller provides OEMs and converters with an important element of the technical assurance required when integrating our battery maintenance solar solution into a new vehicle build.
Developed for Commercial Vehicle Integration
Automotive EMC compliance is only one consideration when integrating solar onto a commercial vehicle. Our battery maintenance solution brings together all of the components required to fit the system; we don’t just supply a solar panel. We also provide defined installation methods and quality assurance techniques.
The complete solution is supported by extensive testing and product assurance, including independent vibration and mechanical shock testing of both the solar panel and charge controller, alongside testing and certification covering areas such as electrical and fire safety and weather resistance.
This provides vehicle manufacturers, bodybuilders and converters with confidence that the solution has been developed around the conditions vehicles actually experience on the road.
Explore our Solar Product Assurances
Why Integrate Solar During the New Vehicle Build?
There is also an operational advantage to integrating a solar battery maintenance system from the outset. New commercial vehicles can spend considerable periods stationary during conversion, bodybuilding and preparation before they enter fleet service, while onboard electrical equipment may already be drawing energy from the battery. Installing solar during the build process allows the battery to begin benefiting from maintenance charging as early as possible, helping to protect battery state of charge before the vehicle even starts its working life.
Read why we recommend fitting solar battery maintenance from day one
