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Every site needs power. Whether you’re running tools, heating welfare units, charging devices or lighting the way for late shifts, a steady power supply is what keeps things moving. On short-term projects, temporary solutions like generators do the trick. But when you’re setting up for the long haul, you need something that can go the distance without constant refuelling or upkeep.
That’s where solar power comes in. It’s dependable, efficient and simple to manage once it’s up and running. More and more of our tool hire customers are choosing solar systems for their long-term sites, not just because of the savings they offer but because they help take the pressure off in more ways than one.
If you’re looking to keep your energy costs down and your site running smoothly for the duration of the job, here’s a closer look at why solar power could be a smart move for your project.
Lower your long-term costs
One of the biggest advantages of using solar power is the amount of money it can save you over time. It’s true that the initial setup might feel like a bit of a jump compared to hiring a traditional generator. But once you’ve got a solar generator in place, the running costs are minimal.
You don’t need to buy fuel every week. You’re not exposed to energy price changes. And you’re not stuck with a machine that needs constant servicing or repairs. The electricity your solar system generates is free from the moment it starts working, which means every hour of power you get after that puts money back in your pocket. For long-term sites, those savings can add up fast and make a real difference to your overall budget.
Keep your site powered wherever you are
If you’re working somewhere remote or on a site where reliable access to fuel or grid power isn’t guaranteed, solar can take a lot of the uncertainty out of the picture. Once installed, it quietly gets on with the job, providing consistent power to your site setup every day.
Pair it with battery storage, and you’ll have a reliable supply of electricity at any time. That means lighting, site cabins, tools and essential equipment all keep running without a hitch. It’s particularly useful on projects where downtime simply isn’t an option or where the risks of power cuts could cause costly delays.
While solar panels do perform best in direct sunlight, they don’t need it to do their job. They’ll still generate power on cloudy days or when the light isn’t quite as strong, just at a slightly reduced level. Even when the sky’s overcast, they’re still working away in the background, turning daylight into usable electricity. So, if you were thinking about that and the UK weather, don’t worry – they’re designed to keep going all year round.
Spend less time on maintenance
Long-term projects come with enough moving parts as they are, so having a power source that doesn’t need constant attention can be a real advantage. That’s where solar stands out. Once it’s set up, a solar system just gets on with the job. There’s no complicated upkeep to worry about – most units only need the occasional cleaning and a quick visual check to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Over time, that simplicity makes a difference. It helps keep things running quietly in the background without pulling you away from the work that matters. For sites where you’re in it for the long run, it’s a power solution that supports your project without adding to the workload.
Cut down on noise on-site
Noise might not be the first thing you think about when planning your site setup, but over the course of a long-term project, it can start to have an impact. That’s one of the key benefits of using solar power. There’s no engine running in the background, and once the system is set up, it produces power with very little sound at all. That makes a noticeable difference on busy sites, especially if your team is working nearby for long stretches.
This is particularly useful if you’re working in residential areas, near schools, hospitals or other noise-sensitive environments, where keeping disruption to a minimum is important. It also makes a difference on sites where teams are working day and night or where welfare units and rest areas are close to the power supply. The quieter running helps reduce noise complaints and creates a calmer, more comfortable environment for everyone on site. Over time, that can help with concentration, communication, and overall working conditions – all without compromising on performance.
Show you’re serious about responsibility
These days, it’s not just about getting the job done – it’s also about how you do it. More clients and stakeholders are looking for businesses that take corporate social responsibility seriously. Using solar power is a straightforward way to show that you’re making conscious choices on site without overcomplicating things.
It helps reduce your carbon footprint, supports your sustainability targets and shows you’re thinking about the bigger picture. Whether you’re working in a public space, handling a high-profile job or just want to show your company stands for something solid, solar is one of those small switches that can say a lot about how you work.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve got a full range of solar-powered and eco-friendly equipment ready to go, all available to hire just like the rest of our tool hire range. From solar lighting towers and hybrid solar generators to welfare units, accommodation, and electric plant and access equipment, our Go Eco range is designed to give you greener options without changing the way you work.
It’s all part of our commitment to helping you reduce your environmental impact on-site while keeping your project running smoothly. So whether you’re switching over completely or just starting to introduce more solar-powered and eco alternatives into your setup, we’ve got everything you need to support a more responsible way of working for your longer stints on site.
If you’ve got questions about our solar-powered equipment or anything else from our Go Eco range, just give us a call on 0333 323 2100, or pop into your nearest Hire It Centre. We’ve got 18 across the North West and Yorkshire, and we’d love to see you and help you find the right fit for your site.
