PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Some of the buses in the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority fleet have been equipped with solar panels to boost battery life and performance.
Thirty-three diesel-engine buses have the roof-mounted panels that are expected to save thousands of dollars a year in money spent on replacing or jump-starting buses, the Providence Journal reported Monday.
“This program not only supports a cutting-edge clean technology company in Warwick, but will help make commuting with RIPTA a more energy efficient option for riders,” Gov. Gina Raimondo said in a statement.
The panels will be used to start the buses, as well as operate on-board electronics and other auxiliary systems, reducing the strain on the buses’ batteries.
The systems cost nearly $65,000, and about $43,000 was covered by a grant from the state Renewable Energy Fund.
The agency is evaluating the performance of the panels to inform future decisions on the implementation of other clean technology.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.