TIP equips hundreds of reefers with solar panels, in collaboration with Valoe
TIP Group and Valoe Corporation have signed a contract for integrating Valoe solar systems onto TIP’s refrigerated trailers. The intention of the contract is to equip hundreds of trailers by the end of 2025. The value of the three-year-agreement is approximately 20 M€, which is subject to achieving the mutually accepted KPIs.
The current diesel-powered solution is not meeting the sustainability goals we aspire in the mobility sector. That is why TIP is actively looking into electrical Trailer Refrigeration Units (TRU) that can operate with zero emission.
By replacing diesel in trailers with electricity, a significant proportion of which is generated by trailer-integrated solar panels, emissions and other negative impacts are minimised.
TIP’s and Valoe’s collaboration aims for environmentally friendly refrigerated transport globally
In its sustainability strategy, TIP actively promotes the transition from fossil fuels to renewable electricity in road freight. Solar energy is an essential part of TIP’s electrification strategy. The cooperation with Valoe aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in refrigerated transport. TIP's strategy is to reduce CO2 emissions by 12 million kilograms per year. Under ideal conditions, a photovoltaic system can save 3,500 litres of diesel and consequently reduce 9,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions annually for every single trailer. Electrifying 1,000 refrigerated trailers would meet 75% of TIP's annual target.
"TIP has more than 16,000 reefers globally. We play an important role in the industry and strive to reduce the impact on the climate. Our partnership with Valoe allows us to offer our customers another sustainable solution for their refrigerated trailer fleet management needs. We are excited to be at the forefront of the industry in implementing green technology to reduce our carbon footprint.”, explains Rogier Laan, Vice President Sales and Marketing at TIP Group.
“Valoe endorses TIP's strong, active environmental thinking and strategy. We know that the responsibility to pass on a cleaner environment to future generations is ours and that we need to start working now," says Iikka Savisalo, CEO of Valoe. "Valoe has been developing vehicle-integrated photovoltaic systems for temperature-controlled vans and trailers for some time. Now, the required technology is ready. TIP is one of the major players in the international road freight industry. In cooperation with TIP, Valoe has the potential to achieve a breakthrough in the international market for solar-powered refrigerated trailers.
The floating structure cools the panel and prevents heat from transferring to the goods. Thanks to the fastening mechanism, damaged modules can be replaced quickly. Valoe’s module also meets EU lead-free criteria pursuant to the RoHS Directive.
Valoe's solar module technology suits well road freight
In a Valoe solar module, the solar electricity is derived from a module-sized conductive backsheet, not through electrical wires. Therefore, the conductive backsheet is vibration-resistant and functions even if cells are mechanically damaged by an impact or other means.
Electricity alone is not always an option for all transport, and in such cases, diesel is needed as a backup. Valoe’s photovoltaic system allows to switch automatically from electricity to diesel. The automatic optimisation system of the photovoltaic system first uses electricity from the battery and automatically starts the diesel engine when electricity runs out.
Valoe's truck module is protected by a very strong and lightweight chemically tempered glass or polymer. The module is mounted on an aluminium fastening and cooling element. The floating structure cools the panel and prevents heat from transferring to the goods. Thanks to the fastening mechanism, damaged modules can be replaced quickly. In addition, the Valoe module meets EU lead-free criteria pursuant to the RoHS Directive.
Along this partnership, we will gather information from each vehicle to develop a roadmap for improving and optimising the performance of future units.
Temperature-controlled trailers are perceived as being very diesel-intensive, but with such innovation, we can drive the change towards more sustainable logistics!
About TIP Group:
TIP Group, a leading equipment service provider in Europe and Canada, is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We specialize in lease and rent of road freight and intermodal transport equipment, services such as maintenance and repair, sale of used equipment, and other value-added services, such as digital solutions. We provide these to transportation and logistics customers from more than 130 locations spread over 18 countries in Europe and Canada. For more information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Valoe:
Headquartered in Mikkeli, Finland, Valoe is an innovative technology company based in Finland that operates in the clean energy business. The company’s objective is to have clean solar electricity available for everyone everywhere. Valoe’s solar module plant is located in Juva, Finland, and the company has an IBC solar cell plant in Vilnius, Lithuania. For more information, please visit our website.
