One of Ron Leek’s drivers will sleep better overnight in his semitractor-trailer thanks to a reserve of solar energy made possible by a venerable Rockford manufacturer.

The $180,000 2019 Peterbilt truck operated by R.L. Leek Industries Inc. features a solar power system created by Rockford-based Bergstrom Inc. in partnership with Merlin Solar, a maker of solar panels based in San Jose, California. Merlin’s panels send power to a no-idle system made by Bergstrom that juices batteries needed to operate the truck’s heating and air-conditioning systems, along with a refrigerator, microwave and television.

Those creature comforts are important. The driver of this particular truck, who hauls parts from Michigan to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Belvidere Assembly Plant, spends five or six nights a week in the vehicle, Leek said.

On rigs without no-idle systems, truckers must keep the engine running while they’re asleep, burning up to a gallon of fuel every hour while pumping harmful fumes into the air. In addition, Leek said, “Idling knocks the engine hours down.”

Bergstrom, a 69-year-old business, is a leading designer and manufacturer of cab climate systems for heavy-duty commercial trucks, off-highway machines and specialty vehicles. Bergstrom and its Merlin partner have sold more than 1,000 solar panels systems since manufacturing started late last year, said Toby Tuckley, Bergstrom’s global business development manager for solar products.

The solar panels operate even in lower lighting conditions.

“Whenever you get light, it’s always putting energy into the batteries,” Tuckley said. “Solar will keep the batteries fully charged. If there’s no solar, you are relying on the alternator to charge the batteries.”

An alternator sends currents to batteries fast, while energy flow through solar panels is a more gentle process. Truck batteries can cost $250 each.

Besides savings on batteries and fuel, the solar systems are also seen as a tool to help recruit long-haul truck drivers, who have been in short supply for years and want all the comforts of home.