Using solar power to keep truck drivers cool

I don't find this to bad of an idea BUT doesn't having the battery pack kind of obfuscate the whole point of doing this? There is always a price to pay, either in engine load or the weight it self of the battery pack and solar panels. I'm just say'n is all. :-)

1 stinkin percent...whoopadeedoo!

That truck could get more then a 1% increase if it simply was more aerodynamic...instead a blunt nose...

It sounds like they're still running compressors and a gas to cool the air. Something like a Peltier device (array) might be more efficient at cooling the cab instead.

Reducing the fuel consuption by about 1500 liters per year.... or when standing still or in use - considering there is a HEAP of flat surface area on top of the truck, this is actually quite a clever idea. I am looking forward to the day when solar panels get to at least 50% efficiency and cost $10 a square meter tho.

@ Ben Crowe

A Peltier Cell is far way less efficient than a heat pump

Howe: What you don't get is that there are length and size restrictions determined by authorities. Why compromise the cubic capacity and or usefulness of the vehicle when you can think laterally to achieve the same result.

I have been saying for YEARS that all of the electric cars should use PV cells that are built in to the roof, the trunk and the hoods... While the cars are in use they might still need additional "kicker motors" to charge the batteries, but most of the time they are sitting in a parking lot, while the owner is at work.... They would fully charge on a sunny day.....