Solar mats installed on waste and recycling trucks

The mats could reduce carbon emissions by about 1.3 tonnes per vehicle per year

Solar mats have been installed on 20 refuse and recycling trucks across the Warwick district.

The technology had been installed in a bid to reduce energy consumption, and it could reduce carbon emissions by about 1.3 tonnes per vehicle per year, Warwick District Council said.

The mats work by powering electrical components and equipment in the vehicle, such as air conditioning and radio.

Councillor Will Roberts said the authority was committed to further reducing carbon emissions from its fleet of waste collection vehicles.

The technology has been installed on 20 vehicles across Warwick district

"These solar mats will provide a useful solution while we see out the lifespan of the existing fleet of diesel vehicles, after which time we will look to replace the diesel vehicles with low or zero emission alternatives," he added.

The council said the project had been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the solar mats installed by transport company TRAILAR.

Adam Buckley Mays, chief technology officer, said the "ultra-thin" solar panels had been installed on the roof of the vehicles and would "actively" reduce emissions by reducing fuel consumption.

"The early data captured via the dedicated TRAILAR telematics are impressive and allow Warwick District Council to see and report how much fuel and CO2 each vehicle is saving each day," he explained.