Patented Solar APU Technology

U.S. Patent No. 12,489,390 B1

The Solar APU System described on this site is protected by U.S. Patent No. 12,489,390 B1, covering integrated solar-powered auxiliary power systems for commercial trucks and similar vehicles.

Patent Protected Solar Power System — US 12,489,390 B1

This site exists to:

Educate manufacturers and system designers
Clarify the scope of the patented technology
Open conversations around licensing and authorized use

Who this is for

M

Manufacturers

Designing solar-assisted truck power systems

O

OEMs & Integrators

Integrating HVAC, battery, and inverter solutions

E

Engineering teams

Developing idle-reduction technologies

L

Legal teams

Evaluating freedom-to-operate and licensing options

Overview of the Patented Solar APU System

The patented system describes an integrated auxiliary power unit (APU) that combines:

Roof-mounted solar panels
A regulated solar controller
A battery bank sized to support HVAC loads
An inverter supplying electrical power
An HVAC controller capable of engine-off operation
Automatic coordination with the vehicle alternator or generator

The system is specifically designed to reduce or eliminate engine idling while maintaining climate control and onboard power.

Educational Visuals.

What makes this system distinct

This patent does not merely describe solar charging or battery storage in isolation. It protects the system-level integration and operational logic, including:

Intelligent power source selection
HVAC operation independent of engine runtime
Coordinated charging from solar and engine-driven sources
Configurations spanning cab-mounted and trailer-mounted components

Operating scenarios covered

Alternator and solar charge the battery. HVAC operates conventionally.

Battery bank powers HVAC and accessories. Solar input continues when available.

System initiates supplemental charging. HVAC continuity is maintained.

Scope of covered applications

The patent applies to systems designed for:

Class 8 trucks
Sleeper cab HVAC systems
Tractor-trailer configurations
Long-haul and regional trucking
Idle-reduction solutions

This includes factory-installed, aftermarket, and modular systems implementing the protected architecture.

Why patent alignment matters

Manufacturers

Reduces legal uncertainty
Protects investment in tooling
Enables authorized commercialization

Engineering

Cleaner design decisions
Efficient product planning
Reduced redesign risk

Legal

IP review foundation
Licensing evaluation support
Partnership discussions

Licensing & patent permissions

We believe patented technology delivers the most value when it is properly licensed and responsibly deployed.

We welcome conversations with manufacturers who are currently developing similar systems, planning new solar APU products, or who wish to validate alignment with patent rights.

Request a Patent Discussion

What a discussion typically covers

System architecture review
Applicability of patent claims
Licensing pathways
Authorized implementation options

These discussions are confidential and exploratory.

About the patent

Title: Solar Power System

Patent Number: US 12,489,390 B1

Status: Granted

Jurisdiction: United States

Begin a patent permission conversation

If your organization designs, manufactures, or integrates solar-assisted auxiliary power systems for commercial vehicles, we invite you to begin a conversation.