In 2021, CB Transport Refrigeration began working with solar technology provider Genie Insights to fit solar panels to trailer roofs. The panels provide a trickle charge to the battery of the transport refrigeration unit (TRU), reducing the risk of flat batteries that can take trailers out of service – one of the most common causes of breakdowns in the cold chain. Once fitted, the panels discreetly do their job in the background, keeping the fridge battery charged and ready to go.
“We’ve always been about keeping our customers on the road,” said Kev Collins, Managing Director at CB Transport Refrigeration. “Breakdowns from flat batteries are a nightmare for operators, from down time of the vehicles to repair costs, it all has an impact. We needed a fix that actually worked – Genie’s solar kit does just that. Simple, reliable, and it does exactly what it says on the tin.”
What started as a one-off trial has grown steadily, with solar now a core part of CB Transport Refrigeration’s offering to its impressive customer base, which includes some of the UK’s largest temperature-controlled logistics operators.
“My customers see the benefit straight away,” Kev added. “Fewer call-outs, less downtime, and peace of mind. We’ve now got 1,500 panels out there and counting.”
Designed specifically for transport refrigeration units, Genie Insights’ solar solution is lightweight, low-profile, and purpose-built for the harsh conditions of commercial vehicle operations. The company is known for its dependable service, delivering to CB Transport Refrigeration’s schedule to avoid any disruption to workshop workflows.
“The collaboration or joint venture between the two companies (Genie Insights and CB Transport Refrigeration has been a great relationship from the start.,” Kev said. “They understand how we work, and they’ve never let us down. Panels turn up when they’re meant to, and the kit works. That’s all we ask.”
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 that was experiencing recurring flat batteries. It’s always a pleasure working with Kev and the CB team, and we’re really proud to have become such a key part of the total package they can offer to customers.”
The two companies are now further strengthening the partnership by working together to roll out a new Genie Insights product – a 75w high voltage panel specifically designed to address similar problems that HGVs are experiencing with flat batteries.
CB Transport Refrigeration is committed to addressing common operational challenges faced by temperature-controlled operators. By integrating Genie Insights’ reliable solar technology into its service offering, the company is providing its customers with a commercial advantage through enhanced equipment reliability and reduced downtime.