IM Efficiency, a leading innovator in solar transportation solutions, secured a €2,651 million subsidy from the Dutch Government: Netherlands Enterprise Agency, to integrate solar technologies made from Dutch solar cells into 10.000 trailers by 2028 and achieve a manufacturing capacity to supply 100.000 trailers per year. Together, we will make more trucks love the sun.
SolarNL is a national research, innovation, and industrial development program funded by the Dutch government aimed at bringing back and stimulating photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing to the Netherlands. The SolarNL program aims to position the Netherlands as a leader in solar manufacturing, driving forward sustainable energy solutions across various industries.
Addressing the Transport sector's carbon footprint
With climate targets becoming increasingly urgent, steps need to be taken to reduce CO₂ emissions in the transport sector. If no concrete and realistic actions are taken, the transport sector will become the largest CO₂ emitter in the future.
The shift to electric transport is essential, especially in commercial and heavy-duty sectors, but this transition is happening slowly. The primary obstacles are the large initial investment costs and a lack of charging infrastructure suitable for commercial transport.
At IM Efficiency, we are accelerating this transition toward fully green road freight transport by developing solar technologies for trucks and trailers. With over 100 vehicles currently equipped with our "SolarOnTop" technology, our research and field data show that solar energy delivers a serious amount of the energy needs of trucks and trailers. This means that the energy produced by the alternator driven by a diesel engine will be significantly less, resulting in fuel savings and CO₂ emissions reductions of 5 to 10% each.
Project vision and objectives
The end result of this program is to enable the production of 10.000 trailers in 2028 that integrate high-efficiency solar panels directly into their design By "integrating," we mean that the solar technologies—including solar panels, batteries, and an energy management system—will be installed during the trailer’s production process, rather than being added later as an aftermarket addition. Additionally, we aim to achieve a production capacity that can equip up to 100.000 trailers per year with our SolarOnTop technology.
The objective of IM Efficiency in the SolarNL program is to design and produce a wide range of solar technologies that can be integrated into various types of trailers, including box trailers with solid roofs and more flexible designs like curtain sider trailers. These solar technologies will be compatible with diesel engines, as well as fully electric trucks, ensuring that we can provide clean renewable energy to any type of vehicle.
Our goal also includes using recyclable and renewable components, such as solar panels manufactured in the Netherlands, which aligns with the main objective of the SolarNL program to promote the manufacturing of solar cells and solar panels in the Netherlands.
Research, Development, and Innovation
To make this happen, the program will proceed in different phases. In the current initial phase, IM Efficiency will investigate, conduct research, and carry out field tests to find the best methods for integrating solar technology. The team will perform numerous field tests and use computer models to identify the most effective integration strategies.
As the program moves forward, we will develop more prototypes and increase the production of the solar panels and the energy management system needed to manage the energy, preparing for large-scale production.
We are proud to be part of the SolarNL program, which will revolutionize the solar industry in Europe. By promoting local manufacturing and reducing supply chain distances, this initiative will create billions of euros in economic value while offering significant environmental benefits.
For more information:
Ruud Derks
T: +31 (0)6 136 205 68
