Merlin Solar Partners with Leading Reefer Manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull on Custom TRU Solar Solution
- Merlin Solar Team
- Nov 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 7
Collaboration delivers rugged, low-profile solar panel that allows a longer operation of smart consumers functions on the whole trailer and reduce the risk of deep discharge of the starter battery.
San Jose, CA – November 3, 2025 –To meet the high demands placed on Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) systems, Schmitz Cargobull specifically selected a solar partner capable of delivering reliable, high-performance solutions for transport refrigeration.
After extensive evaluation and qualification, Merlin Solar Technologies Inc. was selected to develop and mass-produce a custom, lightweight, integrated solar panel tailored specifically for Schmitz Cargobull’s cooling unit S.CU.
The collaboration brings together Schmitz Cargobull, as the market leader for temperature-controlled transport solutions, with Merlin Solar’s expertise in flexible, durable, and high-efficiency solar technology. The result is a solar module that has been specially developed for the S.CU to allow extended operation of smart consumer functions on the whole trailer and to reduce the risk of deep discharge of 12 V during non-operation of the TRU.
Key Features of the solar panel for S.CU:
Robust and Reliable – Built to withstand vibration, shock, and extreme weather.
Perfect Integration – Custom-engineered for Schmitz Cargobull’s S.CU design with clean, low-drag installation.
Battery Support – Extends component life and a longer availability of the comfort functions of the Trailer.
This partnership reflects Schmitz Cargobull‘s commitment to meet customer needs by continuously enhancing its products together with strong partners.
About Schmitz Cargobull
Schmitz Cargobull is the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods in Europe and a pioneer in digital solutions for trailer services and improved connectivity. The company also manufactures transport refrigeration machines for refrigerated semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight transport. With a comprehensive range of services from financing, spare parts supply, service contracts and telematics solutions to used vehicle trading, Schmitz Cargobull supports its customers in optimising their total cost of ownership (TCO) and digital transformation. Schmitz Cargobull was founded in 1892 in Münsterland, Germany. The family-run company produces around 60,000 vehicles per year with over 6,000 employees and generated a turnover of around 2.4 billion euros in the 2023/24 financial year. The international production network currently comprises ten plants in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England, Turkey, Slovakia and Australia. Learn more at https://www.cargobull.com.
About Merlin Solar
Headquartered in San Jose, California, Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc. is an industry leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of high-efficiency solar panels and integrated solar power systems. With a focus on durability and performance in real-world and extreme environments, Merlin Solar provides advanced solar solutions for a variety of industries, including transportation, defense, and off-grid applications.
Merlin was founded in 2016 and has an international team with members from the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, India, and across the United States, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation through global collaboration.
With a strong presence across North America and Europe, Merlin Solar delivers scalable, reliable systems that advance the global shift to renewable energy. Learn more at www.merlinsolar.com.
Media Contact:
Emily Chan
Marketing Coordinator
Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.