Prolectric acquires autonomous solar generator

Solatainer, a solar-powered off-grid generator, has been acquired by UK rental company Prolectric from Gaia Renewables.

The Solatainer generator can deliver up to 25kW of reliable, on-demand off-grid power. Modelled on a standard 20ft (6m) shipping container, its array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels charge on-board lithium-ion or deep-cycle lead-acid batteries.

Prolectric, which is based near Bristol in the south west of the UK, said that fuel usage is reduced by 80% compared to a conventional diesel generator, but that the unit also incorporates a diesel generator to provide occasional back-up power.

Prolectric is a manufacturer and renter of solar lighting and wind power products. It supplies permanent and temporary solutions for rent or sale.

Chris Williams, Managing Director of Prolectric, said, “The Solatainer generator perfectly complements our temporary solar lighting range.”

He contined, “Both technologies deliver low- or zero-in-use carbon emissions and are usually needed on the same construction and rail welfare compounds. Both also dramatically reduce the noise nuisance of diesel generators close to residential areas, especially during night-time working.”

The acquisition includes all of Solatainer’s assets and intellectual property, and as part of the agreement its inventors, Stuart Thomas and Jamie Morris, will continue to oversee the unit’s manufacture from its production facility in Wales, UK.

According to the company, the Solatainer has a proven track record and has been in use at more than 50 sites in the rail and construction sectors nationwide.

Williams added, “We’ve listened to our customers and we know they would prefer a 100% reliable, renewable energy on-site operation that is sourced, delivered and set up through a single supplier, and available via direct rent or cross-hire as they require.”