Independent transport refrigeration specialist, CB Transport Refrigeration Limited has reached a milestone of installing 1,500 solar panels to its refrigerated (reefer) trailers.
It turned to solar power back in 2021 to help customers eliminate fridge battery issues, reduce call-outs and keep temperature-controlled goods moving.
What started as a one-off trial fitting Genie Insight’s solar panels to reefer trailers, has grown steadily, with solar now a core part of CB Transport Refrigeration’s offering to its customer base to enhance equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
The panels provide a trickle charge to the battery of the transport refrigeration unit (TRU), reducing the risk of flat batteries, one of the most common causes of trailers out of service breakdowns in the cold chain. Once fitted, the panels discreetly do their job in the background, keeping the fridge battery charged and fully operational.
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.
“We’ve always been about keeping our customers on the road,” said Kev Collins, managing director at CB Transport Refrigeration.
“Breakdowns from flat fridge 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 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. We’ve now got 1,500 panels out there, and counting,” he added.
The company, which is the UK’s longest-serving official Carrier service partner, has been supporting temperature-controlled operators for more than four decades through expert service, maintenance and installation of refrigerated transport equipment.
“The collaboration or joint venture between the two companies has been a great relationship from the start. 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,” said Collins.
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.”
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.
