Temperature-controlled distribution specialist Reed Boardall has taken delivery of 12 new 40-pallet double-deck trailers fitted with lifting decks and solar panels. The panels are fitted to the trailers' new sloping roofs and are designed to charge the lifting deck battery. "The solar panels are photovoltaic," explains Denzil Cooke, the company's compliance manager. "This means whether or not the sun is shining, they are constantly helping to charge the batteries.
"In the past the batteries
were charged via the side lights, which meant the drivers had to remember to put the side lights on. Now, it's all done automatically. We are definitely experiencing fewer call outs for flat batteries." Stephen Bramley, a driver with the company, says: "The solar panel gives drivers one less thing to think about. The aero-dynamics of the sloping roof are good for fuel efficiency and you notice it when you go uphill. The drag is greatly reduced compared with a square box."
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