Operation Green Goods: Roll-able Solar Panels

Imagine having a roll-able solar panel tarp that easily tied on to the back of tractor trailers and cargo trains, allowing for a truck driver to buy the solar tarp and use it on any trailer he had to carry. When pitching this idea recently I was asked about the actual feasibility of such a product and if this even exists...

POWERFILM R-15-1200 18W 12 VOLT ROLLUP SOLAR PANEL

Using this specific rollup solar panel covering an entire truck would cost a little over $1500 [using 4 of the panels which are $388.96 each]. The point here is that the technology is currently available to transform the US transportation system. More research needs to be done to consider how much spending over $1500 would save a truck driver in electricity and fuel use, especially when driving an electric hybrid truck.

This is just one example of the many different kinds of rollup solar panels being currently produced. Increasing production and usage of these products will not create a lower price per square foot of solar panel and improve efficiencies through greater market competition.

Source: Solar Sphere