Henderson Group harnessing solar power

County Antrim-based food distributor Henderson Group is reducing fuel consumption by using roof-mounted solar panels on its new Gray & Adams double-deck trailer to power the unit's tail-lift. The panels charge an auxillary battery, which powers the Dhollandia lift.

A fully-loaded double-decker takes up to 90 minutes to unload and reload; during that time, the tractor unit would normally provide power for the tail-lift, says Henderson Group.

However, a spokesman adds: "We've retro-fitted another trailer with solar panels because it has cut our fuel consumption significantly. The solar panels provide a trickle charge to auxiliary batteries and these then generate enough power to operate the tail-lift. When the battery runs out, we revert back to the diesel engine. Using the battery means we can switch the engine off for about 90% of time during loading and unloading. It has also reduced engine wear."

A spokesperson for Gray & Adams adds: "With increasing environmental concern within the industry, we would expect this concept to gain in popul-arity in the next few years."