Solar energy could reduce carbon emissions from trucks

A South Dakota couple driving a truck across the United States is working to use the power of solar energy to bring innovation to the trucking industry, reported Prairie Business Magazine.

The couple, Kathy and Larry Baty, permanently placed solar slim film on the roof of their trailer. This film is connected to necessary components to turn the solar power into AC electric power to run the compressor that cools the trailer, which leads to no emissions released from the truck, said the magazine.

"We are expecting our invention of the solar electric power to assist in transforming the trucking industry by using less foreign oil and also helping with the elimination of emissions into the air," Kathy Baty told the magazine.

The magazine reported the process allows solar energy to be turned into electricity, and an electric motor runs the compressor to cool the reefer unit, replicating the work currently done by diesel motors.

This recent development could lead to trucks releasing fewer emissions into the environment, resulting in improved trucker health.

EnergyBiz reported that increased use of renewable sources such as wind energy, solar energy and nuclear energy, as well as natural gas, could help trucking companies with cost savings.

Solar energy could reduce carbon emissions from trucks

Friday, January 6th, 2012