Costs and Emissions of Off-Grid Power Set to Fall

Firefly Solar (UK), the specialists in the design and manufacture of solar-powered generators, has recently announced the launch of its Cygnus Hybrid Power Generator (HPG). Similar to hybrid car technology, the Cygnus HPG connects to diesel generators cutting fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent. It manages base loads using power from its batteries before automatically switching to diesel as power requirements increase. This innovation reduces the costs and environmental footprint of off-grid power generation for the event, broadcast production and construction industries, as well as the international development community.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the 12-24 kVA Cygnus HPG is compatible with all diesel generators and can be used to provide primary, standalone, stand by or emergency power. An environmentally friendly generator, it can produce clean renewable electricity by integrating with solar PV and wind turbines, as well connect to the mains grid.

Running at low load, a typical 100 kVA will consume up to 10 litres of diesel per hour. But when integrated with a Cygnus HPG, which uses a built-in intelligent load management system, the generator is automatically switched off and no diesel is required. This can save as much as 40,000 litres of fuel each year, paying back costs within 23 weeks.

Andy Mead, founder & CEO, Firefly Solar said: “Traditional diesel generators have long been the natural choice for temporary and remote power, but as with the introduction of hybrid fuel systems in cars, our technology will deliver improved efficiency, fuel savings and a reduced carbon footprint. With this new product we have dramatically increased battery storage, which means longer run times without the need to use a diesel generator. What’s more the Cygnus HPG will integrate seamlessly with renewable power sources such as solar – providing a fully stand-alone power solution. So, whether you’re shooting a film, running a festival, on a building site or working remotely in disaster relief, it’s now easy to reduce your dependence on diesel and move towards a more sustainable source of power.”

Firefly Solar recently received investment from The Berti Green Accelerator programme and won a 2013 Shell Regional Springboard award worth £40,000. The company has grown 45 per cent in the past year. Its product portfolio is meeting the high demand for alternatives to diesel generators in a fast growing international market valued at £8.5 billion. Firefly Solar works with broadcast, facilities and equipment hire companies across the globe with products being exported, sold and leased throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. Its customers currently include DFID, Greenpeace, BMW, Nissan, Ecover, Speedy Hire, WWF, BBC, British Gas, Electric Ireland, Glastonbury and Festival Republic.

The Cygnus HPG comes with a two year standard warranty and is available for purchase, long term lease or hire from Firefly Solar direct, or via equipment hire providers Speedy Hire.