Date: 14/10/25

Case Study: Solar hybrid power trial saves money and emissions for Ashe Group

Introduction

As the construction industry continues its shift toward net-zero, companies like Ashe Group are leading by example, putting sustainability at the heart of every project.

At the Journeys Academy development in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, a multi-million-pound new build school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Ashe faced a common challenge: a delay in connecting to the local grid. Instead of defaulting to diesel power, the team turned to Think Hire to deliver an innovative, sustainable off-grid solution.

Guided by Ashe’s Site Energy Policy, which prioritises the most efficient and lowest-emission energy options, Think Hire deployed the Solartainer Versatile-XL solar hybrid generator in September. The solution integrates solar PV, battery storage, and generator backup into a single autonomous unit, providing reliable power for eight cabins and a gatehouse while reducing emissions, costs, and noise in a sensitive residential area. 

It provides power 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in what is a sensitive location, with the site elevated and partially surrounded by housing.

Supported by Think Energy Panorama, our advanced monitoring platform, powered by Galooli, the system delivered exceptional environmental and financial results in just a month, while maintaining seamless, quiet operation.

Project Overview

• Customer: Ashe Group
• Location: Journeys Academy, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire
• Deployment Period: 10 September 2025 – Ongoing
• Solutions:
  • Solartainer Versatile-XL solar hybrid generator (solar PV, battery storage, and diesel backup)
  • Monitoring & Reporting: Powered by Think Energy Panorama, providing real-time visibility of fuel savings, energy use, and carbon reduction.
• Objective: Ashe’s main priorities in selecting the hybrid generator system were to reduce emissions, improve local air quality, and minimise noise. The site is elevated and close to a residential area, so a quiet, low-impact solution was essential. The hybrid system allowed customers to maintain continuous power, even during ‘quiet hours’, ensuring cabins stayed warm, drying rooms remained operational, and frost protection was in place throughout winter. The ability to manage high-consuming loads over weekends has also helped preserve battery charge and overall efficiency.

Results

Only one month in, and the results are remarkable. Even in September, the site accommodation was frequently running above 50%, and at times 100% on solar power alone. Since installation, the system has met 86% of total site energy demand using battery and solar, avoiding 22 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions while cutting noise and fuel use dramatically.

By adopting Think Hire’s hybrid solar power solution, Ashe Group achieved:

• Carbon Savings:

87% reduction in CHG emissions.

22 tonnes of CO₂ avoided since installation, equivalent to removing 50,000 miles of car travel (2 trips around the Earth)  or 13 round-trip flights from London to New York

• Fuel Reduction: 8,292 litres of diesel saved
• Cost Savings: £8,103 saved since September 10, even after accounting for hire costs.
• Noise Reduction: Silent overnight operation, maintaining power for heating, drying rooms, and frost protection without disturbing nearby homes.
• Energy Consumption: 86% of power demand met by solar PV and battery storage.

Using Think Energy Panorama powered by Galooli, we tracked and optimised energy performance across the site, allowing for proactive maintenance, remote troubleshooting, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring continuous efficiency gains.

Customer Insight

“The hybrid system has exceeded expectations. Since installation, our site has run on batteries and solar PV for 86% of the time, cutting fuel use by nearly 8,300 litres and avoiding around 22 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The system was quick to set up, fully autonomous, and has made a noticeable difference to local noise and air quality. The current trial has demonstrated very strong results, significant environmental benefits, reduced GHG emissions, cost reductions, and silent power overnight. The hybrid generator system has proved its value in adopting this technology when running off-grid”

 James Bisco, Head of Sustainability, Ashe Group

Operational Benefits

The Solartainer Versatile-XL deployment demonstrates how sustainable innovation can deliver tangible benefits across cost, carbon, and community impact.

Using Think Energy Panorama, Ashe Group gained full visibility over system performance, enabling remote monitoring, automated refuelling, and data-driven optimisation.

Lower emissions mean cleaner air and a healthier work environment, proving that sustainable construction is achievable and practical today.

Looking Ahead

Think Hire continues to partner with forward-thinking companies like Ashe Group to drive innovation in off-grid energy. With our hybrid power systems and real-time monitoring tools, we’re helping organisations cut emissions, reduce costs, and operate more responsibly.

Want to achieve similar results on your project?
info@thinkhire.co.uk |  0330 133 2222

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