Hofmeister & Meincke distributes Solar Bus Kit from Sono Motors

To reduce CO2 emissions, the Munich-based Sono Motors GmbH has made it its mission to equip vehicles of all kinds around the world with solar energy. "A world without fossil fuels" is the mission of the company, founded in 2016 by three friends. The solution developed according to this plan consists of thin, semi-flexible solar cell panels that are applied to the vehicle to obtain additional electricity from solar energy. The technology is designed to be easily integrated into all types of vehicles and can help achieve sustainability goals by reducing diesel consumption and CO2 emissions, they say. The ready-to-install solar kits are now also available from the wholesaler Hofmeister&Meincke and its sales outlets.

Retrofit diesel buses and reduce fuel consumption

The Solar Bus Kit, first introduced in 2022 as part of the company's program, is described as a "complete and efficient solar retrofit solution for diesel buses," for example, in public transportation (ÖPNV). As a ready-to-install solar system optimized for common 12-meter bus models, it can, for instance, cover part of the energy needs of Mercedes-Benz Citaro and MAN Lion’s City buses, thus contributing to lower emissions. The kit consists of lightweight, semi-flexible solar panels that, according to the information, can be seamlessly integrated into bus roofs for feed-in into the onboard network.

Save more than 1,000 liters of diesel annually

According to the effect, "Each kit can save up to 1,250 liters of diesel and up to 3.3 tons of CO2 per bus per year," as Sono Motors reports in its latest press release. Customers in Germany and, through a sales location in Austria, can now procure the ready-to-install system from the North German wholesaler of commercial vehicle spare parts and components, Hofmeister & Meincke, one of the leading specialists for commercial vehicle parts and vehicle construction components on the German market.

Extensive distribution network

The Bremen-based traditional company, founded in 1908, is part of the Lower Saxony Fricke Group, which is involved in the international trade of spare parts, agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles, and gardening technology, and has 84 locations in 27 countries. Hofmeister & Meincke itself operates as a trading company and original equipment manufacturer for commercial vehicle workshops, vehicle builders, and industry. They offer commercial vehicle parts, vehicle construction systems, and components. The range includes over two million products such as spare parts, accessories, and workshop equipment from both renowned original equipment manufacturers and the in-house brand Master’s Best. The items can be obtained nationwide at 18 locations. Denis Azhar, Managing Director of Sono Motors, says:

"We are excited to collaborate with Hofmeister & Meincke, a company with an impressive track record and reliability in the commercial vehicle sector. With their strong distribution network, we can market our Solar Bus Kit even more effectively. We are confident that this partnership can increase our sales and thus contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions."

Lower energy consumption, more independence, longer battery life

According to product information, the elements, which could also contribute to an extended lifespan of batteries and alternators, weigh around 4-6 kg/sqm and are 4 mm thin. The individual, 16 "monocrystalline Si solar modules" of the Solar Bus Kit measure around 1,000 x 515 millimeters. Once the retrofit solution is installed, all 24V consumers such as camera systems, air conditioning, ventilation, or lighting can be powered.

The package also includes a charge controller for mobile use, a telematics unit, and installation material. For the application, which is expected to pay off in three to six years depending on the location and type of use, possible subsidies and government grants are also envisaged. Thanks to the flexible technology, PV solutions tailored to the specific requirements of various transport industries can also be custom-made if needed.

Various fields of application

According to Sono Motors, the solar cells as a retrofit solution for climate-friendly mobility in the transport and logistics sector can be easily adapted to vehicles such as cars, buses, trucks, trailers, campervans, refrigerated vehicles, and boats through a special manufacturing process.

In the case of refrigerated transporters, for example, with their high energy demand for cooling units, the solar elements mounted on the roof and sides can cover up to 50 percent of the annual energy demand with solar energy, according to their own calculations. And in the case of electric vans, the energy from the panels mounted in the same places is fed directly into the vehicle's battery, which can also help users become more independent from charging infrastructure, according to the website.

Recently focused on the solar business

Originally, the publicly traded Sono Motors since 2021 was also involved in the development and production of its own electric car (“Sion”), which was supposed to achieve even more range with additional solar panels. According to media reports, the project was finally abandoned at the beginning of 2024 because the investors were no longer willing to put more money into the project.

Since then, the company has focused on the solar business, which was still funded by the EU Commission at the beginning of 2023. This business deals with equipping trucks with solar panels and also targets diesel and electric buses with its retrofitting kit. Sono Motors tested its development in recent years in collaboration with major manufacturers, bus operators, and transport companies.