Danish solar tech innovator Green Energy Group is running a pilot with DHL Freight Sweden to test its solar systems on trucks powered by alternative fuels.
The trucks, which are powered by HVO and liquefied biogas (LBG), will operate across Sweden from Luleå in the north to Skåne in the south, testing solar performance in a wide range of conditions over 12 months.
Green Energy’s ultra-light solar panels are designed to fit seamlessly to truck roofs and are built to withstand extreme conditions.
The energy generated by the panels will power onboard systems such as tail lifts and cooling systems, reducing alternator load, fuel consumption and related emissions.
The pilot builds on the success of Green Energy’s solar solutions in diesel fleets, where fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions have been reduced by 4–7%.
Now the company is trialing the technology with DHL Freight Sweden on alternative fuel trucks.
Green Energy’s solar solution is being tested on ten trucks, with 240 Wp systems on 4 HVO and 4 LBG trucks and 320 Wp systems on 2 LBG trucks, across both Scania and Volvo models.
Each vehicle is connected to a Green Energy charge controller and Fleet Tracker software to monitor performance and collect real-time data throughout the pilot.
The project aims to demonstrate that solar innovation need not be limited to diesel fleets.
Ylva Öhrnell, DHL Freight Sweden sustainability manager, said: “Already today we have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions thanks to electric and biofuel vehicles in our transport network.
“Now we are taking another step by piloting advanced solar panels together with Green Energy. This collaboration allows us to explore how solar can make our trucks even more efficient and sustainable.”
Öhrnell added: “Green Energy’s ultra-thin and durable solar panels have already demonstrated high performance in extreme weather conditions. That gives us confidence they will withstand Sweden’s varied climate and deliver measurable benefits across our fleet.”
Anders Mikkelsen, Green Energy strategic sales manager, commented: “This pilot builds on proven results with diesel fleets, where our solar systems have reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 4–7%.
“We’re excited to measure the impact of solar in improving fuel efficiency and reliability on DHL’s alternative fuel trucks.”
