A refrigerated trailer equipped with solar panels. The Finnish group Valoe has delivered the first vehicle to TIP on 20 June in Juva, Finland. The trailer will be operated by Frigoscandia, serving transport in unbroken cold chains utilising solar power in Scandinavia. Three more trailers with this specific technology will join TIP’s fleet in the coming months. 

TIP and Valoe signed a contract in January 2023 for equipping hundreds of trailers by the end of 2025. The pilot trailer has vehicle-integrated solar panels which produce enough electricity required for the cooling system, without polluting. The solar panels are based on conductive backsheet and meet EU lead-free criteria pursuant to the RoHS Directive. Additionally, the durable and lightweight modules are mounted on an aluminium fastening and cooling element, which makes the modules easy to install and replace. 

Refrigerated trailers with solar panels, statements from TIP, Valeo and Frigoscandia

“We aim to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions and diesel consumption of refrigeration units in our current fleet, e.g., by integrating solar power systems onto the trailers”, said Rogier Laan, VP Sales and Marketing at TIP. “In new refrigerated trailers, we can refrain from using diesel altogether and be at the cutting edge in implementing more environmentally friendly technology in the transport sector.”

“Every part in reduced climate impact contributes to our goal of a fossil-free operation and we welcome new technology to test and evaluate the best practice for sustainable food logistics”, added Peter Haveneth, CEO of Frigoscandia.

Iikka Savisalo, CEO at Valoe: “Valoe has worked hard focusing on the development and introduction of solar systems for mobility applications. One of the first moving segments is cold chain transport due to big useable surface areas where solar technology can well be implemented. We are proud to partner with such respected companies as TIP Group and Frigoscandia. Together we are looking forward to making zero emission transport reality”. 

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