Carrier Transicold said it has enhanced its platform of solar charging systems for transport refrigeration unit batteries, adding a wider array of choices and greater power delivery for faster charging.

“Rapid gains in solar panel technology have enabled us to make significant improvements to our solar charging systems, making this a great time to take advantage of our technology,” said Jason Forman, director, aftermarket parts sales and marketing, Carrier Transicold.

Solar Charging Systems

The company’s current solar charging system platform for trailer and intermodal units includes:

• TRU-Mount solar charging system: Provides a custom fit on the narrow, curved top surface of Carrier Transicold trailer refrigeration units. This system now delivers 2.25 amps of power, a 12.5% boost over the original model.

• 50-watt trailer rooftop-mount system: A system that provides 4.2 amps of power delivery, which is about 2.5 times greater than Carrier Transicold’s original rooftop system.

• New 20 Series 50-watt rooftop-mount system: Part of Carrier Transicold’s 20 Series line of aftermarket products for competitive trailer units. The company said this system delivers greater efficiency and power than standard 30-watt panels provided by the original TRU equipment manufacturer.

• 50-watt rail-optimized door-mount system: This system is designed for domestic intermodal containers that are often double-stacked on flatbed railcars, which limits the application of rooftop-mounted systems.

• Charging system for Solara Heating Unit: The newest system designed for a Carrier Transicold unit. This 2.25-amp top-mount system is the first for the Solara unit, which heats trailers used in cold climates.

In a press release, Carrier Transicold said its tri-layer solar panel technology maximizes strength and efficiency. Uncut monocrystalline cells maximize output and minimize power loss from intermittent shading, and the charge controller uniquely matches the fixed output of the panel to the voltage required by the battery for faster charging.

Powering Additional Items

The company also said refrigerated haulers use solar panels to help offset refrigeration system battery draws from ancillary devices, such as fuel-level sensors, interior trailer lighting, and telematics systems during dwell periods. This saves fuel, according to Carrier Transicold, by reducing the need to run the TRU for battery charging and helps to avoid depleting the battery, requiring a service callout to start the TRU engine and possibly replace the battery.

Eligible businesses may be able to claim a Solar Investment Tax Credit for their solar charging systems.