Sun power tapped to keep bus passengers cool

moving-busBuses can now keep passengers cool without endless idling and belching of diesel fuel into the air thanks to a new solar power-assist system developed by SunPods Inc.

The SunPods Sun Bus Power System™ has been developed in collaboration with Bauer Intelligent Transportation, a green transportation provider, to enable Bauer’s fleet to meet the strict anti-pollution standards set by the State of California.

SunPods’ modular solar power assist system consists of four thin film solar panels that run the length of the bus and charge an on-board battery bank. When the bus engine is off, the batteries power the air-conditioning and wireless connectivity equipment, enabling transportation companies to effectively meet anti-idling standards without compromising passenger comfort.

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SunPod’s solar power-assist system has been in operation on a Bauer IT bus, undergoing testing since January 2010. A prototype was unveiled at the Cleantech Open National Launch in San Francisco at the end of last month.

“We support the state’s strong commitment to reducing pollution. At the same time, as a transportation provider, we wanted to meet our customers’ requirements for comfort and connectivity,” said Gary Bauer, founder and owner of Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation.

In an effort to meet air pollution standards, since 2008 California state law has prohibited diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes. More than 25 states across the United States now have anti-idling laws.

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