Running your construction site using diesel generators is not only bad for the environment, it’s bad for your bottom line too. With the recent ban on red diesel for construction site use, combined with the inherent volatility in diesel prices, fuel costs have been soaring for the sector, adding to the costs of construction. 

That’s why so many companies are switching to solar powered generators and hybrid energy systems. However, some businesses are still reluctant to make the switch to solar because they think it’s unreliable. That’s where Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS solutions, really come into their own.

A BESS solution can help you slash your energy costs by using renewables, without compromising the reliability of your energy supply. In this article, we’ll take a look at how BESS solutions cut fuel dependency on construction sites, and how Think Hire can design and install the perfect BESS solution for you. 

What is a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)?

A BESS solution is much more than simply a battery to store energy from your solar powered generator. It is a smart system that works to maximise energy efficiency through peak shaving and load shifting. Think Hire BESS solutions incorporate the latest smart technology to monitor energy use, giving you the information you need to run your site in the most cost effective way possible, without ever compromising on power, performance or productivity. 

How do BESS Solutions Cut Diesel Consumption on Site?

BESS solutions make your site more fuel efficient, and less dependent on the volatile prices of diesel, in a number of ways:

• Creating a Smart Hybrid Power System – BESS solutions can significantly reduce your dependence on diesel fuel by smoothing out your power usage to avoid peaks and troughs. Think Hire’s AI-supported energy management systems, such as Think Energy Panorama, put you in complete control.

• Maximising Renewable Energy Integration – with a BESS solution from Think Hire, you can make the most of solar power during the daylight hours and store any excess energy to use later, cutting your dependence on diesel fuel.

• Increasing generator efficiency – when you do need your back-up generator, BESS solutions allow you to operate it at its most efficient level, usually around 80% capacity, rather than running it flat out and wasting fuel.

• Enabling Silent, Off-Peak Power and Reducing Generator Runtime – BESS solutions cut fuel costs further by reducing generator run time overnight, when you need power for security and site lighting. This has the added benefit of cutting generator noise during night-time hours.

What Are the Benefits of Reduced Fuel Dependency

With margins getting ever tighter on every job, it’s essential to be able to plan accurately for the costs of each and every project. Yet in today’s volatile world, events thousands of miles away can add to your energy bills almost overnight, without warning. A BESS solution can protect your project from these unpredictable price rises by reducing your dependence on diesel. 

What’s more, by substantially cutting your fuel costs, and helping you to get the most out of your solar powered generator, you can work more cost-effectively, creating more flexibility in the budget for any other unexpected costs.

Not only do BESS solutions improve your operational efficiency, they also help you to achieve your environmental and ESG goals, including Section 61 noise reduction agreements. This not only helps you on your current project, but also helps to attract more work from environmentally minded clients.

Discover the fuel savings of BESS solutions today

Find out more about how a smart BESS solution can maximise the benefits of your hybrid energy system, significantly cutting fuel costs and boosting your environmental profile. Contact the team at Think Hire today and let our experts assess your energy usage and show how much you could save with a bespoke BESS solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size BESS solution do I need for my construction site?

Every site is different and has its own unique power requirements. When you work with Think Hire, our expert team will professionally analyse your operations and design the ideal BESS solution for you.

How much money can a BESS really save on fuel?

Many of Think Hire’s clients report fuel savings of 80% or more by combining solar powered generators with BESS solutions. For example, Cora Homes cut diesel costs by 89%.

Are battery storage systems a complete replacement for diesel generators?

They can be, but they usually work by optimising, and minimising, the use of diesel back-up generators in hybrid power systems. A BESS solution can be used with a solar powered generator only, however, such systems do not have the same flexibility as a solar hybrid generator when it comes to meeting fluctuating energy demands.