In the world of regional refrigerated trucking, reliability and sustainability are paramount. Brent Higgins Trucking, based in Mulberry, Arkansas, understands the unique challenges that truckers face. One such challenge is the constant need to keep the vehicle’s batteries charged, especially in the age of increasing electrical demands. However, before we dive into the benefits of solar-powered battery chargers, it’s essential to understand the practical aspects and limitations of this innovation.

The Battery Drain Dilemma

Truck drivers often have a problem with their batteries losing power when the truck’s engine is not running. This can be especially worrisome for those who use their batteries to run things like lights and gadgets. Short daily drives may not fully recharge these batteries, leading to a constant state of low charge, which ultimately damages the batteries.

Shining a Light on Solar Battery Chargers

While fuel savings are a part of the equation, the primary benefits of solar panel installations lie in extending battery life and avoiding emergency roadside assistance for dead batteries. Solar battery chargers offer a practical solution to this problem by keeping your batteries topped off even when the engine isn’t running. This technology is especially crucial for equipment that operates off their own motors, as it prevents the starter batteries from discharging during long periods of disuse.

Solar panels on refrigeration units already exemplify this concept, maintaining the charge on reefer engine starting batteries and telematics system batteries. However, it’s essential to set realistic expectations—solar panels are not a source of significant power for propulsion or extensive refrigeration.

The Solar Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

Traditional diesel-powered APUs require maintenance and can produce carbon monoxide, posing a risk to both the trucker and nearby vehicles. On the other hand, battery-powered APUs draw power from your alternator, increasing fuel consumption. Additionally, regulations limiting idle time can hinder APU recharging when the truck isn’t in motion.

Enter the solar APU, a low-maintenance, eco-friendly solution that charges continuously when exposed to sunlight. These APUs power all your truck’s electrical auxiliary systems, including the AC, heater, liftgate, microwave oven, lighting, and even your computer. The flexibility of the solar panels allows them to be installed on various surfaces, making them more resilient to road vibrations and debris impact.

Looking to the Future

As we move towards a battery-electric future, the interest in solar panels to extend the range of batteries powering vehicles is likely to surge. Solar technology continues to evolve, and its role in trucking is set to grow as an integral part of ensuring sustainability and reliability.

Solar-powered battery chargers offer a practical solution to the perennial problem of battery drain in over-the-road trucking. While they come with limitations, their potential to extend battery life and prevent inconvenient breakdowns makes them a valuable addition to the toolkit of truckers like those at Brent Higgins Trucking.

If you’re an experienced trucker with at least two years under your belt and a valid CDL license, consider joining the team at Brent Higgins Trucking. We understand the challenges of the road, and we’re committed to finding innovative solutions to make your journey smoother and more efficient. We invite you to apply and become part of our mission to improve the world of over-the-road trucking while enjoying the benefits of state-of-the-art and reliable equipment. Your experience and expertise are what make our fleet even stronger. Start your adventure Hauling for Higgins and experience the road in a whole new light!