Rolling Solar
Locomotive Battery Tender
Developed by First Light Electric and Solar Inc.
Distributed by Xpert Rail Consulting Inc.
Industries first Solar Locomotive Battery Tender
Charged batteries every time you need them
Fewer costly jump starts
Lower line drawn on the auxiliary generator
Extended battery life
Designed with simplicity in mind
The Rolling Solar Locomotive Battery Tender is an integrated all-on-board locomotive battery solar charger. This solar solution automatically engages to charge and maintain locomotive batteries above 64 volts DC.
Benefits of this system include:
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Charged batteries every time you go to start the locomotive
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Fewer costly jump starts due to cold, frozen, or dead batteries
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Extended battery life due to better charge and depletion cycles
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Lower line drawn on the auxiliary generator, preserving the life of this high cost replacement part
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Optional wireless battery charge monitoring is in development
How It Works
The system is designed with simplicity in mind. During hours of sunlight, the Rolling Solar Locomotive Battery Tender activates to charge the batteries or maintain the battery charge. At the end of the workday the locomotive shuts down as per normal procedure and the operator walks away. No extra steps. It is really that easy!
“Why can’t I just place solar panels on the locomotive?”
The answer is simple. Commercially available solar panels do not provide enough voltage to adequately charge a 64-volt battery system. They also do not provide the protection and disconnection requirements to comply with safety standards.
The technology developed for the Rolling Solar Locomotive Battery Tender makes this device unique to North American Railroads. According to our research no other company is currently offering this kind of system. The system is designed by a Red Seal Journeyperson Electrician, endorsed by the Canadian Safety Association (CSA) with Construction Electrician, Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certification.
“How does the system stand up in harsh conditions?”
The Rolling Solar Locomotive Battery Tender is constructed with Canadian weather in mind. Understanding that locomotives need to work at their full potential, harsh winters, humid summers, and high winds were considered when the system was designed. In addition, the Rolling Solar Locomotive Battery Tender will absorb the impact of low level vibrations that the locomotives creates.
“How will this device save me money and also reduce my carbon footprint?”
Using the most current green technology, the Rolling Solar Locomotive Battery Tender is designed with sustainability in mind. By reducing costly and time-consuming service calls, and by extending the lifespan of expensive locomotive batteries, the Rolling Solar Locomotive Battery Tender will quickly return the “green” part of any investment.
This system is designed to save company revenue
We welcome you to come aboard and book a consultation today!