Australia is a place known for its sunshine. In many industries, generators are commonly used in locations where there’s a lot of it: mining regions, construction sites, music festivals, and film sets. Harnessing a natural resource this country has in abundance, solar-powered generators have reputations for being cost-effective, better for the environment and easier to maintain, with less refuelling required. As useful as solar generators are, though, they do have their limits. They work best in direct sunlight, and their powers can decrease on cloudy or rainy days.

This is where solar hybrid generator power fills the gap.

Solar hybrid generators combine photovoltaic energy from the sun with another source of fuel like diesel or gas, as well as lithium battery technology. A solar and diesel generator hybrid system is the most common combination of hybrid generator energy sources, and it’s a powerful combination that can meet the needs of many industries.

How Solar Hybrid Generators Work

There are four main parts to a solar hybrid generator: the solar panel, the battery, the inverter and the backup diesel generator. The solar panel harnesses the sun’s rays for energy, the battery powers the generator, the inverter alters the engine speed to meet the electrical demand, and the backup diesel generator provides a constant fuel source when solar power is low.

All solar panels come with photovoltaic cells, energy-harvesting pieces of technology that use semiconductors to convert the photons from the sun into electrical energy. This is called the photovoltaic effect.

The electricity generated is used to power the facilities or the operations, with solar power being the priority. When this form of renewable energy is depleted or unavailable, that’s when diesel energy steps up to fill the gap.

A solar and diesel generator hybrid system is one of the most effective combinations available for reducing fuel costs while keeping power running, often in remote areas and in tough working conditions. If you’re in an industry that requires heavy power consumption, you might be wondering if solar hybrid generator power is gutsy enough to get the job done for you.

The Amount of Power Solar Hybrid Generators Generate

Different jobs require different capacities for power. Hybrid solar generator systems range from smaller units with 10kVA capacity all the way to 1000 kVA or more. While a small hybrid solar generator system suitable for the home may only be a few kilowatts, an industrial-strength one designed for commercial and manufacturing operations might be several kilowatts or more.

Factors that can influence a solar hybrid generator’s power include:

The solar panel capacity

The size and efficiency of a generator’s solar panels have an impact on the power capacity, with larger arrays generating higher levels of electricity.

The design efficiency

The overall quality and condition of the components, especially the inverter, influence how much power the generator produces.

The battery storage capacity

While batteries don’t produce kVA, they do contribute power to the generator’s electrical system in the form of kilowatts (kW). Many solar and diesel generator hybrid systems use batteries to enhance their power. The combination of solar, diesel and lithium ion makes for an effective multi-pronged approach to providing a reliable power source.

The weather conditions

While solar/diesel hybrid generators are designed to provide power throughout all kinds of weather conditions, sunnier days will power the solar part for longer, meaning less fuel is required for the diesel component.

If you’re worried about whether a solar hybrid generator’s power will be enough for your operations, Total Generators has excellent news for you. The right combination of solar and diesel is enough to handle anything you can throw at it. No matter how large-scale your project is, you won’t have any trouble generating enough power. There are, however, times when you can thrive on solar and times when it’s better to turn to the diesel component.

When to Use a Solar Hybrid Generator

A solar hybrid generator is a worthwhile choice any time you need a stable and continuous supply of power. However, there are some specific situations where a combination of solar, diesel and battery power capabilities is the optimal approach to energy generation. Some circumstances that benefit from solar hybrid generator power include:

In remote areas

From mines to music festivals and telecommunications towers to remote research stations, many locations that require generators are based in rural areas, in the outback or off the grid. A solar and diesel generator hybrid system can provide a uniquely reliable source of power when there’s no other access to electricity available.

Construction sites

Construction sites are outdoors, exposed to sunlight and other weather conditions, and commonly lack a stable connection to the electrical grid. A combined solar and diesel generator is a reliable companion when there’s hard work to do and schedules to stick to.

In case of emergency

Solar hybrid generators are excellent at providing a backup source of power during electrical failures, storms or natural disasters. When all else fails, solar hybrid generator power can still deliver.

Outdoor activities and events

Outdoor events like concerts and large-scale festivals require high levels of electricity to power everything from stage equipment to machinery, sound systems to lighting. They often take place in natural or remote areas with tens of thousands of people relying on electricity to have a good time. Fortunately, solar hybrid generators are well-equipped to meet their needs.

The remote Northern Territory town of Jabiru runs 100% solar during the day with a hybrid microgrid, so solar is capable of handling even heavy energy loads. Solar and diesel is a combination that will cover all your bases and deliver outstanding results, as long as you know where to turn for solar hybrid generator power.

Hire Solar Hybrid Generators at Total Generators

Total Generators is pleased to offer you a suite of reliable hybrid solar generators for hire. Our hybrid solar generator systems are made up of modular transportable containers and towable trailer-mounted units with the latest in solar, battery and inverter technology. These units come complete with battery packs and backup diesel generators and can be towed by any 4WD with a towing capacity of 3000 KG.

Our comprehensive range of generators includes diesel, trailer-mounted and super silent generators. Major entities in some of the most safety-focused industries in the country use our generators, including clients in mining, defence and public transportation.

We also make it easier to assess what kind of power requirements your job will need. Our power calculator lets you assess your requirements by measuring units of electricity. And if you need further assistance, our knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your requirements.   
Do you have a major project in the works? Total Generators is happy to provide advice on which generator is right for you and set you up with one with the right power capacity. To assess your power supply needs and for a free quote, contact the Total Generators team.