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Solar Panles for Trucks: DEKRA Academy Keeps on Driving with Solar Power from the Roof

Mar 12, 2026

The Upgrade: Solar Panels for Trucks in Denmark

The colleagues at DEKRA Academy in Denmark are pushing forward the transition of their training fleet of trucks and buses to E-Mobility. Since this process is costly and long-term, they are now also retrofitting existing combustion vehicles in a sustainable way – with photovoltaic panels on the roof.

The training vehicles of the Danish academy subsidiary have been equipped with solar systems from the company Green Energy. The pilot project demonstrated the immediate benefits of the solution: around five percent less fuel consumption, rapid amortization, and full compatibility with training routines. Initially, five trucks received the solar upgrade; now the rollout will extend to 60 more. The conversion is scheduled to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

The flat solar panels are quickly installed and pay off almost immediately. As soon as they are in operation and the sun is shining, we see the return on investment.

Philip Steiner, Sustainability & HSE Manager for Northern and Central Europe at DEKRA

The Solar Solution in Detail

The training vehicles at the 13 locations of DEKRA Academy across the country are used intensively: frequent starting, long idle times, and high electrical loads lead to above-average fuel consumption.
The panels with 240-Wp CIGS solar systems are mounted directly on the vehicle roofs and integrated into the electrical system. They generate direct current while driving and when stationary, relieving the engine and alternator. The continuous energy flow reduces idle times, lowers fuel consumption, and extends battery life.
“With this solution, we can target our budget where we achieve the greatest impact instead of spending most of it on a very small number of electric trucks,” Steiner summarizes. The DEKRA Academy subsidiary already uses ten electric trucks and buses for training and wants to expand this fleet, but in Denmark, grid capacities limit the use of heavy electric vehicles.
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