We've seen hybrid cars and trucks on the road, but what about a solar-powered semi-truck?
That's what a South Dakota couple hopes to bring to the transportation market as the latest way to save energy when on the road.
They're going solar with their trailer they've called "Be Solar" and right now it's the only one of it's kind. Estimated at about $18,000, it's operated both by diesel fuel but mostly by energy from the sun with it's 20 ft. long solar panels on top.
As drivers themselves, they understand the impact nearly 3 million engines leave on the environment.
They say an energy-saving trailer like theirs can be the newest, easiest and most cost-efficient way to cut back while on the road.
"This is just a way of using green energy, implementing green energy concept, lesser use of foreign oils, emission control and job creation if put into productivity," Kathy Baty said.
Kathy says the trailer is a success with the help of Cleaner Greener Energies in Sioux Falls. She and her husband hope to sell their idea and have more solar-powered trailers on the road within the next few years. A patent is currently pending.
