The introduction of solar energy in transportation can further reduce emissions thanks to electricity generated from a clean and inexhaustible source: the sun.
In 2021, solar power generation reached a record 179 TWh, up 22% compared to 2020. Indeed, solar accounted for 3.6% of global electricity generation, taking out third place in the ranking of renewable technologies after hydroelectric and wind power.
Meanwhile, this source is becoming the lowest-cost option for electricity generation in most parts of the world, which is expected to drive investment in even more areas over the coming years (1).
This will not only limit environmental pollution – a major cause of climate change – but will also bring economic benefits to people and businesses.
Europe and solar energy in transportation: incentives, penalties and Task 17
According to data published by the European Commission, trucks, buses and coaches are responsible for more than a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport and more than 6% of total emissions in the EU.
This situation is bound to worsen without the adoption of effective countermeasures, which is why the European Union has accelerated vehicle electrification, setting clear emission targets between now and the next few years.
For heavy-duty vehicles, such targets are expressed as a percentage reduction in emissions relative to the EU average during the baseline period of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, including a 15% reduction from 2025 to 30% from 2030 onwards (2).
Should these targets not be met, the EU will issue fines, to the extent of 4,250 euro per vehicle for each excess gram of CO₂ per tonne-kilometer (gCO₂/tkm) of emissions from 2025 to 2029, and €6,800 per vehicle for each excess gCO₂/tkm from 2030 onwards.
To give a practical example, a manufacturer who sells 25,000 vehicles and exceeds the target imposed by the EU by 1% would face a penalty of about 57 million euro in the first instance and as much as 92 million euro in the period from 2030 onwards.
The message is clear: making trucking more sustainable is a fundamental and indispensable step in the fight against pollution and climate change.
In aiming towards a low-carbon future, the topic of Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPVs) plays a key role in this transition. It is no coincidence that the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems (PVPS) program has dedicated its Task 17 working group specifically to the study of photovoltaics associated with transportation, underscoring the desire and need to generate global collaborative interest.
The benefits of solar energy in transportation
Solar energy has the potential to further mitigate CO₂ emissions in electrified transportation, particularly in the short term. Additionally, it can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by reducing reliance on the power grid.
The versatility of photovoltaics offers new opportunities for charging battery-powered electric vehicles, with applications involving both electrical infrastructure and the vehicles themselves.
For heavier commercial vehicles, such as trailer trucks, other delivery vehicles and buses, on-board photovoltaics can provide a significant contribution to auxiliary systems and their electrical conversion, translating into cost savings.
Among the benefits of solar energy in transportation, it is also worth mentioning those related to batteries. Photovoltaics make batteries last longer, preventing them from deep discharges and power surges.
Finally, solar energy systems are cost-effective – always a truly vital aspect for trucking companies wanting to remain competitive. Until a few years ago, the cost of solar panels would have meant financially unsustainable installations. Today, however, the amounts have dropped considerably, opening the door to investments that can pay for themselves within a few years. This is due to the fact that in the past decade, PV production capacities have dramatically risen whilst prices for the technology have dropped.
Which technology? And for what kind of transportation?
When it comes to using solar energy in transportation, flexible photovoltaic panels are the technology of reference. This system can be used on a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, vans, RVs, and ambulances. But its use is not limited to road transport. Indeed, it also plays a significant role in boating, where it boasts a lengthy history and where it is actually making an increasingly meaningful contribution.
Example of application and savings
Having reached this point, the question that every company might ask is: How much can you actually save?
A solar system on a heavy-duty vehicle can save 5% on fuel over a standard day (3). If we consider a fleet of 100 trucks, this translates into savings of about 210,000 liters per year. A decidedly interesting amount.
Still, this is just one small example.
We have only just scratched the surface when it comes to the application of photovoltaics on transportation. In the e-book below are operation details and further examples of application.
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Flexible Solar Panels for trucks and vehicles.
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Bibliography
- https://www.iea.org/reports/solar-pv
- Reducing CO₂ emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/transport-emissions/road-transport-reducing-co2-emissions-vehicles/reducing-co2-emissions-heavy-duty-vehicles_it#documentation)
- State-of-the-Art and Expected Benefits of PV-Powered Vehicles (2021). 2.5 Case study on PV-powered truck trailers in the Netherlands: PV electricity production on trailers, page 93