How GP Transco Reduced Idle Time, Saved Fuel, and Extended Battery Life with Merlin Solar
- Merlin Solar Team
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Rising Costs Drive Fleet Efficiency Initiatives
Rising fuel and maintenance costs challenge fleets nationwide. GP Transco identified a measurable opportunity to reduce engine idling, a key source of wasted fuel and component wear.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory, idling vehicles consume over 6 billion gallons of fuel annually in the U.S. This not only drives up operating expenses but also stresses batteries, starters, and alternators—impacting fleet reliability and uptime.
The Challenge
GP Transco, a dry van carrier with a fleet of roughly 600 trucks, needed a proven, low-maintenance solution to power vehicles during breaks and reduce unnecessary engine runtime—particularly for long-haul operations where fuel efficiency, battery life, and component longevity are critical.
The Solution
To combat inefficiencies, GP Transco installed Merlin Solar panels across its fleet, providing a cost-effective, low-maintenance source of power for auxiliary systems.
These panels allow drivers to power electronics and climate control systems during breaks without running the engine, reducing fuel consumption and wear on critical components.
“Dry van carrier GP Transco is looking to install solar panels on its entire fleet of roughly 600 trucks.”
Proven Results
Fuel Savings: GP Transco saves roughly $1,700 per tractor per year, equivalent to the cost of one panel unit when purchased in bulk. Calculation assumes an average diesel price of $4/gallon and annual mileage of 110,000 miles per truck.
Improved Battery Life: Panels triple battery lifespan, from 18 months to 3–4 years.
Component Longevity: Reduced strain on starters and alternators improves durability.
Fleet-Wide Fuel Efficiency: 7.41 mpg, up from 7.26 mpg two years prior.
Emissions Reductions: 107,000 gallons of fuel saved and 15 million pounds of CO₂ cut across the fleet.
For additional context, GP Transco’s 2023 Sustainability Report documents these operational and environmental gains.
The Outcome
By deploying Merlin’s rugged, flexible solar panels, GP Transco cut idle time, reduced fuel costs, extended battery and component life, and lowered emissions.
Key results:
$1,700 fuel savings per tractor annually
Triple battery lifespan
107,000 gallons of fuel saved fleet-wide
15 million pounds of CO₂ emissions eliminated
Merlin’s rugged, flexible solar panels deliver real-world savings, cutting fuel costs, reducing idle time, and extending battery and component life—proving the tangible benefits of commercial-grade solar for fleets.
