Solar Power Assisted Bus

Solar powered assist for mass transit is rolling out in California.  Sunpods Inc, and San Francisco-based Bauer Intelligent Transportation developed a system in just 6 weeks’ time, which uses thin film solar panels on the roofs of buses to power an on-board battery bank.  Solar energy absorbed by the panels provide a solar powered assist system which allows A/C and wireless connectivity equipment to continue operating, even when the engine of the bus is shut off.

Operation of the solar power system will help the company meet stringent California pollution control laws that prohibit the idling of a diesel engine for more than 5 minutes.  Of course, it also helps save on fuel consumption, and minimizes CO2 emissions.

Bauer Intelligent Transportation is already a green industry leader as “the world’s most eco-friendly, full-service sustainable transportation company.”  For its buses, Bauer IT uses clean Series 60 engines, exhaust gas recirculation systems and diesel particulate filters for its fleet of bio-diesel, propane and EGR vehicles to meet the EPA emission requirements.  The company claims that 96% of the miles driven by its fleet are “green.”

Certainly, the new solar power assist system will boost the green credibility, while minimizing CO2 emissions.  And that’s a breath of fresh air!