Welfare unit industry leader Garic is set to revolutionise the market by launching the UK’s first generator free, completely solar powered welfare unit. The Combi-Cabin Eco Series Plus solar welfare unit with patented technology is set to slash running costs by completely omitting the use of a generator.
Welfare unit industry leader Garic is set to revolutionise the market by launching the UK’s first generator free, completely solar powered welfare unit.
The Combi-Cabin Eco Series Plus was unveiled at Plantworx, the largest live action show for the construction equipment and services industry, in Leicestershire in June.
As part of a £14m investment by the company this year into R&D and new fleet and equipment, the 24’x9’ Eco Plus unit with patented technology is set to slash running costs by completely omitting the use of a generator. Instead, all of the power needed is drawn from eight solar panels housed on the cabin’s roof. The unit itself is heated by a small fuel tank which is also powered by solar energy.
Comprehensive trials conducted on live construction sites concluded that the Eco Plus could save contractors up to 88 per cent in fuel costs alone compared to a standard 240v generator powered Combi-Cabin. They also revealed that Co2 emissions were reduced by up to 88 per cent.
Over a 24-hour period and based on a fuel cost of 58p per litre, the generator powered cabin used £31.32 worth of fuel compared to the Eco Plus which only used £3.60 – which equates to around 15p per hour.
Garic also say that the new Combi-Cabin Eco Series Plus has a further crucial benefit; the unit is fully compliant with the very latest CDM 2015 regulations.
Steve Openshaw, group plant manager at Eric Wright Construction was initially sceptical that the electric unit would be able to cater for the needs of eight workmen over a nine-hour day.
He said: “We trialled the Combi-Cabin Eco Series Plus during a two-week period of very typical British weather which fluctuated from mild sunshine to clouds and rain. The unit worked flawlessly.
“It surpassed our required specification and adhered to our own environmental policy with the added benefits of being ultra environmentally friendly and hugely reducing our servicing and fuel costs – all through the power of solar technology!”
Commenting on its latest innovation which is covered by a 12v technology patent, Garic’s sales director, Neil Richardson said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Garic and the new Combi-Cabin Eco Series Plus further cements our reputation for manufacturing market leading, top quality, environmentally friendly and cost effective products.
“Most companies in our sector are utilising eco products but Garic is proud to be able to lead the way in innovation and as a result grow because of them.”