How can fleets use solar power?

The transportation sector is among the United Kingdom’s biggest polluters and contributors to climate change. Yet, large fleets are necessary for transporting domestic goods and maintaining a thriving economy. As a result, the U.K.’s fleet and transport industry are exploring solar power and other sustainable operational approaches, allowing them to lower carbon emissions, adopt corporate social responsibility, and meet compliance requirements and public expectations.

Understanding Solar Power for Fleets

Domestic transport accounted for 28% of localised emissions in the U.K. in 2022 — 113.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Although it may seem you have little control over the amount of emissions your fleet releases, solar technologies are improving efficiency in managing your vehicles and facilities.

Scania R-series solar-powered hybrid electric truck

Solar power harnesses energy from the sun to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and associated costs. Currently, Europe has the largest solar-powered vehicle market at 31% due to steadfast adoption in the U.K., Germany and France. Monocrystalline panels, which are more efficient and require less space, dominated the market at 62%. Likewise, polycrystalline panels are lightweight, flexible and ideal for various applications.

The Tootbus sightseeing company plans to install rooftop solar panels in its electric bus fleet in the summer of 2025. After the fleet’s full conversion, the initiative will provide 100% renewable power — 65,000 kilowatt-hours or about 60,000 kilometres of travel annually.

4 Tips for Implementing Solar Power Into Fleets

Creating a green fleet is good for business and allows your company to stand out as a pioneer of sustainable fleet management. You can implement solar power into your transportation and operations in four ways.

1.   Conduct a Feasibility Study

Before investing in low-emission technologies, it is crucial to understand whether your fleet is suitable for solar power. Conducting a feasibility study will help you determine how much energy your vehicle and facilities require, including your current fuel consumption and operational hours.

Measuring your fleet’s potential solar power generation according to your geographical location, sunlight amount, available rooftop space and orientation is also important. Once you have this information, you can select the most suitable solar solutions based on your requirements.

2.   Adopt Solar Technology

Investments in solar technology are critical for widespread fleet adoption, such as exploring roof-mounted panels for vehicles and equipment as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Adopting solar-powered EV charging stations is equally vital to accommodate fleet electrification. The U.K. has just 34,637 public charging stations for about 850,000 EVs and 530,000 plug-in hybrids as of October 2022 — too few to support an electrified fleet.

3.   Integrate Solar Power Into Fleet Operations

Create a comprehensive plan outlining your solar power integration in your fleet’s daily operations. Identify which vehicles you intend to install solar panels on and how solar-powered charging stations could come into play — will you build new charging stations or integrate solar into existing infrastructure?

Additionally, training is essential for staff to understand solar power technology’s benefits and maintenance needs, ensuring the fleet performs sustainably and efficiently.

4.   Monitor and Optimise Performance

The best way to determine if solar technology is a worthwhile investment for your fleet is to monitor energy production and consumption. Incorporating robust monitoring systems can provide essential real-time insights into how your fleet utilises alternative power.

Ongoing assessments of solar performance are also paramount for identifying inefficiencies — schedule routine evaluations to study the data and make improvements accordingly to maximise returns.

Genie Insights’ high efficiency 50-watt solar panel. Image: Centrica

Additional Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Fleet Strategies

Solar power adoption is just one way to create an environmentally friendly fleet. To become a fully sustainable transport business, consider these additional strategies for cleaner, greener vehicles.

Sustainable Fleet Materials and Types

Lightweight materials like aluminium and newly developed composites make fleets more fuel-efficient and enhance performance. You might also consider different tyres to improve sustainability. For example, pneumatic tyres offer superior traction on uneven surfaces for your fleet of construction forklifts. In contrast, cushion tyres are an excellent, low-maintenance option for indoor vehicles in warehouses and manufacturing plants.

Alternative Fuel Types

Solar isn’t the only alternative fuel source you can use to reduce emissions. Look into other possibilities, such as electrification, hydrogen power and biofuels, to decrease fossil fuel needs. Biofuels derive from organic sources, while hydrogen fuel cells generate clean electricity through a chemical reaction. Meanwhile, electrified fleets rely on batteries for zero tailpipe emissions.

Fuel Usage Optimisation

Fleet management software will improve fuel efficiency by optimising routes, measuring fuel usage and facilitating driver training. For instance, it delivers real-time data to identify fuel waste and help businesses and clients save money. It can also monitor driver behaviours, such as speed, acceleration and braking, to teach more sustainable operating habits.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance will extend your fleet’s life expectancy and performance by identifying issues as they arise, circumventing costly repairs and downtime for continuous productivity. This maintenance approach utilises machine learning to detect anomalies in the equipment’s health. However, you must also adhere to routine inspections, oil changes and tyre rotations to ensure ideal conditions.

Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Solar Power in Fleets

The United States’ recent 10% reciprocal tariffs have raised concerns about global trade and higher consumer costs. However, the U.K. may find opportunities for solar-powered fleets.

The tariffs have prompted a solar boom across U.K. households, raising sales by 37% with 58,386 installations from January to March 2025. In particular, China — which has received the highest tariff increases on U.S. exports — will likely inundate U.K. and European markets with its excess supply, decreasing costs even further. Ultimately, now is the perfect time to take advantage of lower prices and greater availability of solar technologies for your fleet.

A Greener Fleet for a Sustainable Future

Solar power developments have paved the way for eco-friendly fleets to transform the transport sector. Fleet managers should invest in these technologies for more sustainable operations and greater long-term equipment and vehicle performance.

Author: Evelyn Long, Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine