Guernsey Post harnesses the power of the sun to reduce fleet emissions
Guernsey Post has implemented solar panels (provided by TRAILAR, a solar transport solutions company based in the UK), on 5 of its larger vehicles to continue their pursuit of utilising solar within their operations.
Guernsey Post has a strong sustainability strategy to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment. Through a joint initiative with Guernsey Electricity in 2019, they completed the installation of the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) system in the Channel Islands on the roof of its postal headquarters.
The panels installed will produce more than 200,000 kWh each year, which is equivalent to the electricity required to power our entire fleet of electric vans, with some energy to spare.
The larger vehicles consist of three 8.5 tonne Mitsubishi Fuso canter trucks a 7.5 tonne Iveco Eurocargo and a 3.5 tonne Mercedes Sprinter. On average each vehicle will travel over 700 miles per month, being used throughout the day to move large volumes of mail to and from the airport, as well as some large volumes from customers to Guernsey Post’s HQ.
The cutting-edge, ultra-thin solar panels are fitted onto the roof space of existing or new vehicles and connect the panels to the vehicle battery. Solar power is generated and then used to power various on-board activities, and even a vehicle’s tail lift. As a result, the vehicles fitted with the solar panels can save approximately one tonne of CO2 emissions per vehicle each year.
Robert Le Page – Guernsey Post – Fleet Manager commented: “We are really proud of our electric delivery fleet, and we wanted to expand this to our larger vehicles too. Unfortunately, A medium duty electric truck that fits our needs is some way off mass production so as an interim measure we looked at what we could do to reduce emissions now on the daily journeys we make to and from the airport and harbour. TRAILAR’s technology provides us with a solution and supports our aim to reduce emissions and deliver an industry leading sustainable transport operation. “
Paul Horton – TRAILAR – Business Development Manager said: “It’s been great to work with a business that is as focused on driving sustainability within all areas of its operation as Guernsey Post are. We look forward to seeing the live data reporting back on the vehicles performance, as they now become operational within the fleet.”
