CB Transport Refrigeration says it has now installed 1,500 solar panels on refrigerated trailers.
The company has been installing solar panels since 2021, with the aim of helping customers to eliminate fridge battery issues and reduce maintenance call-outs.
Ensure you always get Fleet News insight. Make us a preferred source of news on Google.
The panels, made by Genie Insights, provide a trickle charge to transport refrigeration unit batteries, reducing the risk of them going flat, said to be one of the most common causes of cold chain trailer downtime.
Kev Collins, managing director at CB Transport Refrigeration, said: “We’ve always been about keeping our customers on the road. Breakdowns from flat fridge batteries are a nightmare for operators – from downtime of the vehicles to repair costs, it all has an impact.
“We needed a fix that actually worked and Genie’s solar kit does just that. Simple, reliable, and does exactly what it says on the tin.
“My customers see the benefit straight away. Fewer call-outs, less downtime, and peace of mind.”
Matt Reeve, managing director at Genie Insights, said: “CB Transport Refrigeration knows what temperature-controlled operators are up against, and they’ve really championed our solar product since the first trial we ran for one of their key accounts who were experiencing recurring flat batteries. 
“It’s always a pleasure working with Kev and the CB team, and we’re really proud to have become a key part of the total package they offer to customers.”

Sean joined Fleet News (and sister title Automotive Management) in 2026 as content editor.
He has been a journalist reporting on the fleet industry since 2017. Since then, he has attended and reported on dozens of events held by organisations such as the SMMT, AFP, BVRLA, and National Highways, interviewed senior figures from car manufacturers, industry bodies and automotive suppliers, and reviewed hundreds of new cars and vans.
His continuing goal is to explain the key issues of the day for decision-makers and help to give them a better understanding of their industry.
Sean graduated with an MA in Journalism from Brunel University of London and began his writing career as a local newspaper reporter.
He is a previous winner of the Rising Star prize at the Newspress Awards, which recognise achievement in motoring journalism.
Scania is trialling a solar powered truck on public roads to learn how the technology could help lower costs and emissions.
Southern Water is replacing a third of its engineering fleet, with more than 300 new vans – the majority of which will have solar panels fitted.
Birds Eye is rolling out two new solar-powered refrigerated trailers to transport thousands of tonnes of product each year.
Nissan has developed a solar-powered concept car that can travel up to 14 miles per day using energy from the sun.
Solar power technology company Oxford PV has joined a new project to design solar panels for EVs.
No comments have been made yet.






Register to receive our range of digital content, including newsletters and special reports.
Fleet News, Media House, Lynch Wood Peterborough, PE2 6EA
Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited, Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing, Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL All registered in England and Wales. VAT no 918 5617 01 H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898). Owner and beneficial owner: Yvonne Bauer, Heinz Bauer
http://www.fleetnews.co.uk is the leading website for the UK fleet sector with an 82% market share (average UK site visits in 2025), according to Similarweb. H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898)
By submitting any material to us you are confirming that the material is your own original work or that you have permission from the copyright owner to use the material and to authorise Bauer Consumer Media to use it as described in this paragraph. You also promise that you have permission from anyone featured or referred to in the submitted material to it being used by Bauer Consumer Media. If Bauer Consumer Media receives a claim from a copyright owner or a person featured in any material you have sent us, we will inform that person that you have granted us permission to use the relevant material and you will be responsible for paying any amounts due to the copyright owner or featured person and/or for reimbursing Bauer Consumer Media for any losses it has suffered as a result.

source