TIP Group’s partnership with GreenChill Systems provides transport operators within the temperature-controlled sector with access to a ‘retrofit’ sustainable refrigeration solution without the need for any upfront capital outlay.
The partnership and the solution both enable operators within the sector to access the latest in alternatively fuelled refrigeration technology without needing to pay upfront for either the system itself or to invest in new refrigerated trailers. The latter becomes possible because the refrigeration system is fitted to ‘reefers’ that are already in operation.
Termed ‘solar-electric’, the system uses an onboard battery to provide power to control the temperature of the trailer’s existing refrigeration unit. That battery is charged via the mains grid but with supplementary charging achieved courtesy of an array of solar panels fitted to the trailer’s roof. The solar-powered aspect of the system effectively extends the refrigeration runtime by generating power during daylight hours, whether the trailer is parked or moving.
The trailer’s existing diesel refrigeration unit is retained and automatically utilised as a backup to the system in the event of, say, a missed charging opportunity or last-minute route change to guarantee uninterrupted temperature control.
The system has integrated telematics, which provides operators with real-time visibility of both energy generation and consumption, CO2 emission savings, financial savings, GPS location, plus other essential and useful reporting.
As part of the solution, training is provided for drivers and fleet teams that covers charging procedures, state-of-charge checks, best practice plug-in habits and so on, enabling operators to maximise benefit from the system.
Whilst the system can be specified for brand new assets being acquired, its ease of retrofit to reefers already in-fleet provides operators with instant access to the latest in sustainable refrigeration technology without necessarily investing in replacement trailers.
Leasing the GreenChill system from TIP on a monthly cost basis removes the barriers often associated with the adoption of such technology and enables operators to transition to a more decarbonised refrigerated fleet with confidence.
Providing further encouragement for their journey to transition, operators can sample the GreenChill system within their own transport operation for a period as part of TIP’s ‘try-before-you-hire’ scheme, which enables them to experience cost-saving and environmental benefits first-hand, but without making any long-term commitment.
Lucy Crofts, Operations Manager at GreenChill Systems, said: “We are delighted with our partnership with TIP Group, whose innovative approach is helping make sustainable refrigeration accessible to transport operators. Together, we are demonstrating that businesses do not need to wait to begin their sustainability journey or make significant upfront investments to achieve meaningful carbon reductions. By combining GreenChill’s solar-electric refrigeration technology with TIP’s flexible leasing and trial options, operators can start reducing emissions immediately while also benefiting from fuel cost savings from day one. It is a practical, low-risk route to decarbonisation that delivers both environmental and commercial advantages.”
Mark Carlin, Fleet & Engineering Director, said: “By combining GreenChill’s retrofit solar‑electric system with TIP’s e‑reefer trials, operators can experience the technology within their existing fleets without any upfront investment or long‑term commitment. It removes the cost and uncertainty that typically slow adoption and gives customers real‑world evidence of how the system performs. The GreenChill solution is one of several low‑ and zero‑emission refrigeration technologies available via TIP, alongside solutions from other manufacturers, including battery & solar-powered and energy-recuperation axle technologies. Whatever the technology, the process provides a straightforward, commercially sensible route to reducing emissions, and it aligns perfectly with our mission to make zero‑ and low‑emission refrigerated technology accessible and practical for operators.”
