QAZAQ GREEN.  PACCAR Parts is offering DAF truck owners a fuel-saving solution with ultra-thin, flexible solar panels designed for installation on trucks and trailers.

PACCAR Parts has launched ultra-thin, flexible solar panels designed for installation on truck cabs, trailers, and other vehicle bodies. These panels continuously charge vehicle batteries using solar energy, potentially reducing fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and wear on the alternator and battery.

The panels come in two sizes: a smaller version, measuring 110 x 30 cm and weighing 700 grams, generates 55 Wp from 16 cells. The larger model, twice the size at 1.3 kg, delivers 110 Wp from 32 cells. Both variants are only 3 mm thick and feature a self-adhesive, flexible design that conforms to curved surfaces, allowing for easy installation.

A standard truck cab can accommodate one large and one small panel, with additional panels possible in some cases. Trailers and vehicle bodies with solid roofs can support multiple panels. The generated energy is transferred via an included converter directly to the battery, where it is stored or used immediately in the cab.

By reducing the need to idle the engine for power while parked, the panels contribute to lower fuel use and emissions while helping to extend battery life. The effectiveness of the system depends on daylight availability and energy consumption patterns in the cab.

The solar panels are now available at more than 1,100 DAF dealerships and service centers, where they can be installed and connected.