It’s no secret that emissions from the use of diesel fuel are exacerbating climate change worldwide.
One might consider the elephant – or perhaps, the truck – in the room to be commercial trucks, especially those that transport refrigerated goods. Between the two diesel-powered engines – one for the drivetrain and one to keep the trailer cold – these so-called “reefers” emit more than 2,500 pounds of carbon dioxide in a four-day week, according to analysis by eNow Inc.
Which is exactly the problem eNow, a Warwick solar technology firm, aims to solve. In 2018, the company debuted the first zero-emissions, commercial-use transportation refrigeration unit on a commercial truck, according to CEO and President Jeffrey Flath, who founded and co-owns the company. The “Rayfrigeration” system uses a unique, solar-powered cooling system that integrates roof-mounted solar panels into a rechargeable battery system with enough energy to operate the entire trailer system.
Since introducing the system, only a few trucks have adopted it, though eNow has commitments for 200 more units in 2020 and 2021, said Flath. While he acknowledged early adoption of the technology has been slow, he was confident in the “large potential sales opportunity” – confident enough that he planned to hire additional employees this year to support the growing demand.
Since opening in 2011, the company has established its presence in the transportation industry – selling more than 4,000 solar systems nationwide that power everything from big-rig air conditioning to safety lights for emergency vehicles and wheelchair lifts.
While it has focused on commercial transportation – where it’s competing against the more costly diesel fuel – eNow recently expanded its reach into public transportation. Through a partnership with the R.I. Public Transit Authority and R.I. Commerce Corp., eNow manufactured solar systems – including panels and batteries – for 33 of RIPTA’s new buses, saving the agency an estimated $150,000 annually in battery replacement and maintenance costs, according to Flath.
The environmental impact of zero-emissions transportation systems is a benefit, but Flath framed the impetus for the company as a business opportunity first and foremost. Formerly president of The Cooley Group, he led the Pawtucket firm to design and develop the first 100% solar-panel-covered billboard in Times Square.
He saw a new kind of solar potential in the commercial transportation industry, which he said could reap a high cost-savings and return on investment.
While the company has enjoyed growing success since its founding, it has not been without difficulties.
The first and foremost obstacle? “Getting everything to happen at one time,” Flath said.
“Everything” included finding a team, developing the technology, convincing customers of the benefits of the technology, bringing in investors, meeting state and federal regulations, and maintaining a business through the ups and downs of the economy.
OWNERS: Jeffrey Flath and 22 other individual and institutional investors
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Solar technology
LOCATION: 133 Hallene Road, Warwick
EMPLOYEES: 10
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2011
ANNUAL SALES: WND
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.
