Solar mats installed on waste and recycling trucks

In the Warwick district, a new environmental project has been launched where 20 waste and recycling trucks have been fitted with solar mats on their roofs. These solar mats are designed to reduce the amount of fuel the trucks use and lower their carbon emissions. According to Warwick District Council, each vehicle could cut down carbon emissions by about 1. 3 tonnes every year thanks to this technology. The solar mats work by powering electrical parts of the trucks, such as the air conditioning and radios, which means the trucks do not have to rely as much on their engines for power. This helps reduce fuel consumption and pollution.

The solar mats are very thin panels installed by a transport company called TRAILAR. They are placed on the roofs of the trucks and use sunlight to generate electricity. The council has been monitoring the results using special telematics technology that tracks how much fuel and carbon dioxide each truck saves daily. Early data shows that the solar mats are effective in reducing emissions and fuel use, which is a positive sign for the environment.

Councillor Will Roberts, a member of the Warwick District Council, said the council is committed to reducing carbon emissions from its fleet of waste collection vehicles. While the current trucks run on diesel, the council plans to replace them with low or zero emission vehicles in the future. The solar mats are seen as a useful solution during this transition period. The project was funded by a special environmental fund and highlights how new technology can help local governments reduce their impact on climate change.