BESS Solutions Portable Power for Construction Sites

Date: 15/12/25

Battery energy storage systems – often referred to as BESS solutions – may seem like a very technical answer to your energy needs, but the basic principle is a lot simpler than you might think.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at exactly what BESS solutions are, how you can use them to power your site and how they can also power savings, in terms of operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

So, let’s start with the basics…

What is a BESS?

As we discussed above, a BESS is a battery energy storage system, and that is exactly what it sounds like. Essentially, a BESS is just a large rechargeable battery – in some cases, very large indeed.

Just like a rechargeable battery, you charge it up when you have access to power, and then you use that electrical energy later. In the case of BESS solutions, that means you can charge the unit when it is the most cost-effective to do so, and use that energy later, when other sources may be unavailable or more expensive.

For example, you can charge BESS solutions using a solar or hybrid generator during daylight hours, and use that ‘free’ renewable energy overnight, when solar power is offline. Similarly, you can charge your BESS from the mains during off-peak, low-cost periods and use it later during peak times when grid energy would cost you more.

You can also charge BESS solutions using a traditional diesel generator, getting the most efficient use of your fuel and avoiding the need to run noisy generators overnight and disturbing the neighbours.

More than just a battery

Of course, to describe Think Hire BESS solutions as just a battery is to undersell them considerably. The SiteGrid range of BESS solutions not only provides portable, dependable power, but also manages that power to optimise your energy use.

SiteGrid BESS solutions from Think Hire provide peak shaving and load sharing to reduce strain on the system, cut generator fuel costs by reducing running times and meet varying energy demands throughout the day. State-of-the-art energy management by Think Energy Panorama further enhances performance and fine-tunes your operations.

What are the benefits of BESS for construction sites?

BESS solutions have numerous advantages for construction sites, including:

• Reduced fuel costs – through more efficient use of diesel generators, and the ability to integrate renewables into your energy mix 

• Portable power – BESS solutions can be charged at source and then relocated to wherever the power is needed anywhere on site, allowing for rapid deployment and flexible use as your project evolves.

• Reduced emissions – less reliance on diesel generators means less fuel and lower operating costs.

• Silent operation – BESS solutions deliver power silently once charged, making them ideal for overnight power.

• Consistent supplies – dependable and reliable, BESS solutions give you confidence that you’ll have the power you need, when you need it, including rapid discharge for peak demand.

BESS applications

The SiteGrid BESS range from Think Hire can be used whenever and wherever you need power, including:

• Site lighting – silent operation means BESS are ideal for site lighting overnight. Using a BESS also means you can use the sunshine to power your lights at night.

• Welfare and accommodation – BESS solutions can be used to power drying rooms, canteens and staff cabins anywhere on site, without the need for hardwiring or noisy generators.

• Tower cranes – BESS solutions, such as the SiteGrid X500, are powerful enough to operate tower cranes, seamlessly managing the peaks in power demand from these assets.

• Off-grid locations – BESS solutions are perfect for off-grid locations and remote sites, allowing you to deploy dependable power almost anywhere.

• Electric vehicles and plant – with the increasing use of electric vehicles and plant, BESS units ensure you always have a power source when these assets need charging.

• Heavy plant machinery  - flexible and portable, BESS solutions are ideal for powering heavy plant, delivering dependable energy where you need it most.

Frequently asked questions about BESS Solutions

Q. What size BESS do I need for my construction site?

A. The right BESS solutions depend on the equipment you intend to power. Think Hire experts will be happy to advise which of our SiteGrid BESS range is right for you based on in-depth energy use analysis.

Q. Is a BESS solution more expensive than just hiring a diesel generator?

A. Almost certainly when you look at the whole-of-hire costs. The initial hire cost may be more, but the fuel savings more than make up for this.

Q. Are Battery Energy Storage Systems noisy?

A. No, once charged, BESS solutions will deliver power silently, making them ideal for reducing noise pollution. If they are charged using a solar or hybrid generator, they can also be silent during charging.

Q. Can a BESS power heavy equipment like a tower crane?

A. Yes. The Think Hire SiteGrid BESS range extends right up to the 564kWh X500, delivering up to 625 kVA of peak/overload power.

Discover cleaner and more cost-effective alternatives to diesel generators

The SiteGrid range delivers dependable, portable power anywhere on site, with easy integration of renewables to cut costs and emissions. To find out how BESS solutions can transform your site’s energy delivery, talk to the team at Think Hire today. 

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