Solar Panels for Commercial Vehicles


Modern vans, trucks, buses and trailers are running more and more auxiliary services with telemetry, cameras, communications systems, fridges, air curtains and tail lifts/lifting decks, but vehicle and auxiliary batteries are not matched to these power demands.

Vehicle engines are having to idle to provide supplementary power and many operators are experiencing problems with flat batteries and shortened battery lifespans.

Solar panels are a long-proven method of harnessing power from the sun. Genie Insights’ solar products are a cost-effective, proven technology that will improve the reliability of your fleet and support your commitment to the environment.

Sustainable Power Management for Commercial Fleets


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  • IMPROVE BATTERY HEALTH

    Redirecting power demand to solar energy means pressure is taken off batteries, which means prolonged battery life and better fleet reliability due to reduced jump-start related breakdowns.

  • REDUCE TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP

    Well-maintained batteries support a healthy vehicle, reducing battery-related downtimes and costs. Although not the main reason for fitting solar panels, it stands to reason that reducing pressure on the truck’s battery should also result in a reduction in fuel consumption and consequently fuel costs.

  • REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS

    Adopting Genie Insights’ solar panels allows vehicle engines to run less overall and eliminates or significantly reduces vehicle idling time, therefore reducing reliance on fossil fuels. CO2 and NOx emissions are at their highest when idling so solar supports a move towards greener power management.


Refrigerated semi trailer with Genie Insights solar panel mounted to the roof

Solar Panels Suitable For:

TRUCKS & TRAILERS - BUSES & COACHES - FLEET VANS - ELECTRIC VEHICLES

  • TRICKLE CHARGE

    Systems for battery maintenance

  • AUTONOMOUS POWER

    Redirect energy consumption from vehicle batteries

  • PROTECT EV PERFORMANCE

    Maintain EV auxiliary batteries


State-of-the-Art CIGS Solar Technology

Genie Insights Solar Technology for the transport sector is harnessing the power of the sun using state-of-the-art CIGS Technology (Copper, Indium, Gallium Selenide). Unlike other solar panels, our CIGS panels flex with your vehicle body and are manufactured without glass to be shatter-resistant. Crucially, unlike other solar technologies, our CIGS solar technology does not produce heat as a by-product.

  • INDUSTRY-LEADING EFFICIENCY
    As well as operating at a higher voltage than conventional solar solutions, our unique system works in low light, cloudy days and even in shading from buildings in town centres.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT SLEEK DESIGN
    Custom size modules bonded directly to the vehicles’ roof are less than 3kg in weight per square metre and less than 3mm thick (bonded) so there’s no drag or loss of payload.
  • UNIQUE CONSTRUCTION
    All Genie Insights’ solar products are manufactured in the UK using a unique encapsulation process that has been developed through years of investment in research and development.
  • TAILORED SOLUTIONS
    We can offer custom solutions designed to provide the optimum power output specific to your fleet’s individual needs.
  • ROBUST & FLEXIBLE
    Because of the flexible nature of our solar panels, they are shatterproof, resistant to vibrations and cannot crack or fracture.
  • SUITABLE FOR RETROFIT
    Whilst most Genie Insights customers tend to start with solar installations on new vehicles, many then go on to retrofit the existing fleet once the technology has been proven within their operation.

A Complete Solution for Optimal Performance

Our unique approach to providing solar solutions considers a range of factors through our consultation process to ensure the system supplied matches your requirements.

Our photovoltaic solution is designed to be modular, and we can manufacture more than 140 different sizes ranging from 40w to 360w and with panel lengths up to 5m long. This, coupled with our accurate modelling methodology, means solutions can be completely tailored to ensure optimal performance.

In some cases, we look beyond the solar panel and work with key partners to deliver a full system including lithium battery combinations and/or ‘smart’ charge controllers.

We work on a wholesale basis with a range of OEMs, retailers and installation partners to develop and supply solar systems for particular transport applications, even 'white labelling' as required.


Download Solar Brochure

Reliable Refrigeration


Genie Insights solar panel mounted to the roof of a refrigerated semi trailer

Problematic or flat batteries are an inconvenient truth of operating a refrigerated fleet. Apart from the costs involved in resolving these disruptions, there are significant costs associated with late deliveries, spoiled goods, customer relationships, and ongoing fleet management.

Our refrigerated transport solar product provides a solution to this age-old problem.  By mounting a solar panel to the roof of the trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’, which keeps the battery fully charged. This reduces, and in most cases eliminates, flat batteries, costly breakdowns and improves vehicle reliability.

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By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’ – which replenishes the energy of a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, therefore enabling the battery to remain fully powered, reducing and in most cases eliminating flat  batteries, costly breakdowns and improving vehicle reliability.



Just like their fossil fuel powered counterparts, electric vans rely on a 12-volt auxiliary battery for essential functions, such as unlocking doors, operating lights, controlling the infotainment system and running safety features. Essentially, this small battery ensures that your electric van remains operational and accessible.

But if this vital battery goes flat, operators are put out of action because without it the van can’t even be unlocked! This is where Genie Insights’ solar panels for electric vans come into play, offering a lifeline for battery maintenance and peace of mind.

By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each van, the 12-volt battery is ‘trickle charged’, keeping it topped up and ready for work, even during periods of inactivity.

Electric van with solar panel
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By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’ – which replenishes the energy of a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, therefore enabling the battery to remain fully powered, reducing and in most cases eliminating flat  batteries, costly breakdowns and improving vehicle reliability.




Autonomous Power in Waste & Recycling


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It’s a known fact that waste vehicle operators have some of the lowest fuel efficiency in the transport industry due to short journeys and the unavoidable stop-start nature of their work. Therefore, every effort to enhance fuel consumption reduces carbon emissions and fleet operational expenses.

By covering a waste vehicle’s roof in solar, you can harness the sun's energy to power essential onboard ancillary equipment. Not only does this lessen the reliance on fossil fuel, but it eases the strain on the vehicle's alternator, protecting it over the long term.

Image
By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’ – which replenishes the energy of a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, therefore enabling the battery to remain fully powered, reducing and in most cases eliminating flat  batteries, costly breakdowns and improving vehicle reliability.



Reliable Refrigeration

Genie Insights solar panel mounted to the roof of a refrigerated semi trailer
Image



By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’ – which replenishes the energy of a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, therefore enabling the battery to remain fully powered, reducing and in most cases eliminating flat  batteries, costly breakdowns and improving vehicle reliability.

Problematic or flat batteries are an inconvenient truth of operating a refrigerated fleet. Apart from the costs involved in resolving these disruptions, there are other costs associated with late deliveries, spoiled goods, customer relationships, and ongoing fleet management.

Our refrigerated transport solar product provides a solution to this age-old problem.  By mounting a solar panel to the roof of the trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’, which keeps the battery fully charged. This reduces, and in most cases eliminates, flat batteries, costly breakdowns and improves vehicle reliability.




EV Battery Maintenance

Electric van with solar panel
Image



By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’ – which replenishes the energy of a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, therefore enabling the battery to remain fully powered, reducing and in most cases eliminating flat  batteries, costly breakdowns and improving vehicle reliability.

Just like their fossil fuel powered counterparts, electric vans rely on a 12-volt auxiliary battery for essential functions, such as unlocking doors, operating lights, controlling the infotainment system and running safety features. Essentially, this small battery ensures that your electric van remains operational and accessible.

But if this vital battery goes flat, operators are put out of action because without it the van can’t even be unlocked! This is where Genie Insights’ solar panels for electric vans come into play, offering a lifeline for battery maintenance and peace of mind.

By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each van, the 12-volt battery is ‘trickle charged’, keeping it topped up and ready for work, even during periods of inactivity.





Autonomous Power in Waste & Recycling


Image

It’s a known fact that waste vehicle operators have some of the lowest fuel efficiency in the transport industry due to short journeys and the unavoidable stop-start nature of their work. Therefore, every effort to enhance fuel consumption reduces carbon emissions and fleet operational expenses.

By covering a waste vehicle’s roof in solar, you can harness the sun's energy to power essential onboard ancillary equipment. Not only does this lessen the reliance on fossil fuel, but it eases the strain on the vehicle's alternator, protecting it over the long term.

Image
By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’ – which replenishes the energy of a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, therefore enabling the battery to remain fully powered, reducing and in most cases eliminating flat  batteries, costly breakdowns and improving vehicle reliability.




Solar for Fleet Security


The benefits of vehicle tracking and CCTV systems are undeniable, particularly for operators transporting high value goods. But what happens when the vehicle is parked up? Are you confident that the power source remains to sustain these often heavy consumers of power?

Connecting a solar panel to regenerate the draw from the battery using the sun’s renewable energy, gives operators assurance that their investment in fleet security remains reliable and functional, safeguarding valuable assets around the clock.

Image
Image
By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’ – which replenishes the energy of a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, therefore enabling the battery to remain fully powered, reducing and in most cases eliminating flat  batteries, costly breakdowns and improving vehicle reliability.




Solar for Fleet Security


The benefits of vehicle tracking and CCTV systems are undeniable, particularly for operators transporting high value goods. But what happens when the vehicle is parked up? Are you confident that the power source remains to sustain these often heavy consumers of power?

Connecting a solar panel to regenerate the draw from the battery using the sun’s renewable energy, gives operators assurance that their investment in fleet security remains reliable and functional, safeguarding valuable assets around the clock.

Image
Image
By mounting a solar panel to the roof of each trailer, you provide the refrigeration unit battery with a ‘trickle charge’ – which replenishes the energy of a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, therefore enabling the battery to remain fully powered, reducing and in most cases eliminating flat  batteries, costly breakdowns and improving vehicle reliability.



Working in Partnership with

MiPV Solar Panels Logo

Working in Partnership with

MiPV Solar Panels Logo

Solar FAQs

Do you need to modify my vehicle to fit solar panels?

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Do Genie Insights’ solar panels come with a warranty?

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What is causing my trailer fridge battery to drain?

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Will solar panels improve my fuel consumption?

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Does Genie Insights supply solar panels to third parties to white label?

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Can Genie Insights' solar panels be retrofitted?

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What types of vehicles can Genie Insights' solar panels be fitted to?

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What is the difference between autonomous power and trickle charge?

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Can solar panels be used with any brand of TRU?

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Are solar panels easily damaged?

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Do solar panels work in low light?

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What are the benefits of CIGS technology?

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Where can Genie Insights supply solar panels to?

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What does VOC mean?

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Do solar panels require maintenance?

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Can Genie Insights' solar panel performance be monitored?

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Do Genie Insights' solar panels come with CE certification?

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Do CIGs solar panels produce heat?

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How much can I save financially by fitting solar panels to my fleet?

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Where can I find your cost saving calculator?

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