The India refrigerated truck market grew strongly in the last couple of years with the surging growth of e-commerce, food delivery, and perishable good transport. These trucks are very significant in protecting and maintaining fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals. However, the operation of reefer trucks is very energy-intensive, and therefore, operations are relatively costly and environmentally sensitive.
One such innovative solution being talked about is utilizing solar power in reefer trucks. Not only will this help in reducing the cost, but it’s also a greener environment. In the following blog, we’ll explore how solar power can be integrated into India-based refrigerated transportation and what benefits it entails for the industry.
Understanding Refrigerated Trucks
Truck refrigerated containers are designed for the transportation of perishable commodities and maintaining them at a specific temperature. These vehicles are equipped with insulated reefer containers in India that ensure a controlled environment. However, the fuel cost of a refrigeration unit is increased when generated using either diesel or electricity.
Role of Solar Power
Solar power is renewable energy, and it can be tapped through solar panels. It means that by installing solar panels on the roof of the refrigerated trucks, truck operators can use sunlight directly as their source of power for the refrigeration units. Besides, the method not only minimizes the usage of fossil fuels but also minimizes the electricity costs incurred by the manufacturers of reefer containers in India.
Benefits of Refrigerated Trucks Powered with Solar Energy
Energy Conservation
One of the more significant advantages of photovoltaic generation for refrigerated trucks is saving a lot of energy. Electricity can be produced through solar panels throughout the day, which may be fed to the refrigeration unit. This would prevent or at least minimize the use of diesel or consumed grid electricity associated with refrigerated vehicles, hence reducing the operating cost of businesses.
Lower Carbon Emissions
Using solar energy reduces carbon emissions which refrigerated transport contributes to India. Solar power integration into truck transport refrigeration will be able to contribute to a cleaner environment because it accommodates one of the very important steps that India is undertaking in terms of curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved Efficiency
As well, the reefer trucks can be fully maximized with the use of solar-powered reefer trucks, especially on remote places where electricity is limited. The use of panels ensures that operators will be able to achieve the desirable temperature conditions for perishable goods, without reliance solely on diesel generators.
Improved Mileage Range
With refrigerated container manufacturers, with conventional fuel sources, it would travel longer as the solar panels supplement energy used for the operation of a refrigeration unit that could raise miles traveled without frequent refueling.
Lowered Maintenance Costs
In general, the maintenance requirement of solar panels is minimal. The usage of solar power for refrigeration units may also lead to reduced wear and tear on the traditional power systems, thereby saving on periodic maintenance costs over time.
Challenge Considered
Although solar-powered refrigerated trucks are a clear benefit, there are quite a number of challenges that need consideration. Installation and purchasing of the solar panels and other related equipment is capital-intensive at start. The effectiveness of the solar panels also depends on the geographical location and whether the vehicle travels to areas with constant sunshine or clouds. Despite this, reduction in the cost of production for solar technologies as well as the increasingly significant emphasis on sustainability is making this challenge more manageable.
The Future of Refrigerated Transportation in India
Refrigerated transportation in India is on the rise, and it is high time this sector takes full use of innovative technologies that promote energy conservation and sustainability. “Using solar power in refrigerated vehicles is a step in the right direction to provide a steady supplier of refrigerated transportation in India who are lowering their carbon footprint while maintaining the quality of their perishable goods,” it added.
In summary, the integration of solar into refrigerated transportation becomes monumental in energy consumption and carbon footprint reduction while further promoting efficiency. With the growth in the Indian market for trucks, increasing investment in solar technologies will lead to greater sustainability and profitability for manufacturers of refrigerated containers and their operators.
For the companies looking forward to upgrading their reefer trucks and thinking of solar, the benefits shine through: it saves companies not just the right thing but also ensures it aligns with the global movement to be more sustainable, while at the same time ensuring increased efficiency in operations.
For more on reefer trucks in India or solar power for refrigerated transportation, please log onto Subzero Reefers. Together, let’s pave our way towards a greener future in logistics.
