With Green Energy solar panels, HST Groep has cut jump-start costs, reduced fuel use, and extended battery life, proving that smart investments pay off fast
A truck that won’t start in the morning is more than just an inconvenience; it results in costly downtime. This was happening too often for Dutch transport company HST Groep. Their solution was to install Green Energy solar panels on their trucks.
We spoke to Jos Preuter, Workshop Manager at HST Groep, about how this has transformed daily operations and boosted the reliability of their fleet.
Keeping a 250-truck fleet moving
HST Groep is an international logistics company operating in road transport, sea freight, air freight and warehousing. With a fleet of 250 tractors and 500 trailers, uptime is crucial.
“We handle most maintenance in-house,” says Jos. “MOT inspections and tachograph calibrations, for example, are done by us. The only thing we outsource is trailer inspections due to time and space constraints. Everything else, including major repairs, is carried out in our own workshop.”
However, one recurring issue was causing frustration, trucks that wouldn’t start after an overnight stop.
From pilot test to proven savings and reliability
HST first came across Green Energy technology through PartsXpert Wijlhuizen Almelo, who introduced them to the idea of solar power for trucks. A few years later, when the company purchased 20 new vehicles, their regular supplier, the DAF dealer Bakker, offered to install a Green Energy solar kit on a DAF XG as a trial.
An identical truck without solar panels was used as a reference.
The outcome was clear:
- No more battery failures!
- Jump-start costs were reduced by €400–€500 each.
- Extended battery lifetime
- Fuel savings were achieved through reduced idling.
Encouraged by these results, HST ordered 32 new trucks, all of which are equipped with 110 Wp Green Energy solar panels. They are also exploring the use of solar power for the tailgate batteries on eight new DAF XB trucks.
Full transparency through data
HST can monitor performance in real time through the Green Energy portal and app.
– power generated
– Battery status
– CO₂ savings
“It gives us full visibility,” says Jos. ‘We know exactly what the panels are delivering.”
Drivers notice the difference!
The first drivers to test the solar-powered vehicle noticed an immediate improvement.
“Our test driver didn’t have to turn anything off during breaks, the fridge, heater and air conditioning could all stay on. The truck always started without issue,” says Jos.
The road ahead
Today, all new trucks entering HST’s fleet come with solar panels as standard. Retrofitting older vehicles is not a priority as the focus shifts towards electrification.
“Solar power has eliminated one of our most frustrating problems and provided a clear sustainability benefit,” says Jos. “It’s a simple, reliable solution that keeps our trucks moving and makes our fleet greener.”
Read more about HST here: www.hst.nl/en
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Green Energy solar soulution is helping transport companies such as HST Groep to eliminate battery failures, cut costs and reduce CO₂ emissions, all while improving driver comfort and reliability on the road.
Get in touch with us today to learn how solar power can help your fleet become more efficient and sustainable.
Contact us here: greenenergy.pro/contact
About Green energy
Green Energy is a Danish company dedicated to making sustainability more simple, accessible and impactful for businesses in transportation and construction. Our lightweight, flexible and ultra durable solar panel solutions are powered by CIGS technology. We help businesses lower emissions, reduce costs, and drive smarter, cleaner operations. Every solution we install is a step towards a greener future, where businesses lead the way in building a cleaner, greener planet. Together, we’re turning ambition into action for positive change.
