Phillips Industries launched advanced solar panels for commercial vehicles, the company announced Tuesday.
The monocrystalline silicon (mono-cSI) solar panels are 80% lighter than traditional glass systems and produce 20% more energy with a 50% higher power density through the use of thin film technology, the company says. The panels can provide up to 34 hours of power without diesel idling, Phillips says.
[RELATED: Phillips wins awards at Penske supplier conference]
"By integrating our solar technology, fleets can expect not only significant improvements in fuel efficiency and battery life, but also enhanced compliance with evolving environmental regulations," says Rob Phillips, CEO of Phillips Industries. "This shift towards solar energy is more than an operational upgrade; it's a strategic move towards sustainability that will redefine the economic and environmental landscape of commercial trucking."
The aerodynamic panels are peel-and-stick and can withstand extreme vibrations, winds up to 155 mph, and impacts from debris. Phillips says a recent study showed that fleets with these panels achieved an average of 0.23 mpg higher fuel efficiency than similar models, saving more than 400 gallons of fuel and reducing CO2 emissions by 9.3 tons per truck, per year.
[RELATED: Carrier expands solar charging solutions for reefers]
Furthermore, the company says the panels are eligible for federal solar tax credits through the Investment Tax Credit. The credit allows businesses to deduct a significant percentage of the cost of installing solar energy systems from their federal taxes.
The panels are now available in kits for Class 8 tractors, reefer units and liftgates. Each kit includes the necessary panels and components for complete installation and deployment, including the panels, solar chargers and advanced jump-start avoidance technology.
