PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Some of the buses in the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority fleet have been equipped with solar panels to boost battery life and performance.

The Providence Journal reported Monday that 33 diesel-engine buses have the roof-mounted panels that are expected to save thousands of dollars a year in money spent on replacing or jump starting buses.

The panels will be used to start the buses as well as operate on-board electronics and other auxiliary systems, reducing the strain on the batteries.

The agency is evaluating the performance of the panels to inform future decisions on the implementation of other clean technology.