Staples Vegetables: When Solar Power Conquered Summer's Toughest Test

Staples Vegetables achieved what many thought impossible: 96% solar-powered refrigeration during Britain's hottest summer days. When temperatures hit 30°C and cooling demands peaked, their Sunswap Endurance units drew virtually all power directly from the sun - eliminating grid charging entirely.

The Lincolnshire farming business is expected to cut transport refrigeration costs by 78% while maintaining farm-fresh quality from field to fork. Their first two units will eliminate 256 tonnes of CO2 over the next decade while proving that renewable energy can power intensive agricultural logistics year-round.

The Initial Challenge

British produce faces a critical test every summer, crops come straight from hot fields and need to be kept at cool temperature for transport. Loading produce on a hot day at field temperature - often significantly warmer than transport requirements - means serious cooling power. These are conditions traditional diesel units would struggle most.

Staples needed transport refrigeration that could handle this agricultural reality without compromise. Meanwhile their major retail customers increasingly demanded demonstrable carbon reductions from suppliers.

How Sunswap Delivered

The proof came during summer 2023's 12-day trial. Endurance maintained optimal temperatures despite field heat, The cooling demands were exactly what you'd expect from agricultural logistics – Endurance performed flawlessly.

What convinced Staples wasn't just the temperature control - it was the operational simplicity. Purpose-built electric from day one meant no complex hybrid systems, no multiple energy sources to manage, just plug-in-and-deliver reliability.

The solar integration proved its worth immediately. Rather than being supplementary power - extending range and reducing costs - the trailer-top panels became the primary energy source. Vernon Read, Managing Director, captured the logic perfectly: "Why would you want to burn diesel when you can have clean energy that you generate yourself?"

Following the initial trial success, Staples committed to two Sunswap units for their Gray & Adams long-wheel base trailers. The technology went live in June 2025, immediately proving its summer capability with 96% solar operation during the year's hottest period.

Industry Impact

This deployment proves renewable energy can power agricultural cold chains during peak demand periods. For British agriculture, this matters beyond one farm. Major retailers increasingly require Scope 3 supply chain carbon reductions, and domestic produce competes against imports on both price and sustainability credentials. Staples demonstrates that electric and fully zero-emission refrigeration technology can deliver both environmental benefits and operational cost savings.

The deployment also validates solar refrigeration for seasonal operations. Agricultural logistics faces predictable demand patterns - exactly when cooling needs peak, solar generation is strongest. This natural synergy enables reliable renewable operation without backup systems.

The Key Facts

• First UK fresh produce supplier to adopt battery and solar-powered refrigeration

• 96% solar operation achieved during 30°C summer conditions

• Zero grid charging required during peak summer operation

• 256 tonnes CO2 eliminated - equivalent to removing 18 cars from UK roads annually

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