Enjoy the Silence of a Solar Powered Generator

Date: 07/02/25

Reducing carbon emissions and cutting costs aren’t the only benefits of using a solar powered generator on your site. They also significantly reduce noise pollution, both for your workforce and for neighbouring properties.

Unfortunately, not all renewable energy technology cuts down on noise pollution, as the BBC recently reported.

Blasts on the seabed

Britain’s 11,000 miles of mainland coastline is littered with unexploded ordinance from the two world wars, with some sources estimating that there are more than 100,000 tonnes of explosives still in the sea. As the UK looks to expand its offshore wind power, in pursuit of a carbon free energy grid by 2030, this ordinance has to be cleared to make way for new windfarms. 

Traditionally, this has been done by simply blowing it up, but campaigners, including Joanna Lumley for the Stop Sea Blasts campaign, are concerned that this is harming marine animals. Large, noisy blasts not only cause direct harm to whales, dolphins and other creatures, but can also disrupt their communication and navigation, leading to mass beaching events.

Keeping it quiet

Onshore wind turbines have often caused controversy in the past, with high noise levels, but new technology has made them quieter and more acceptable. Now the Government wants the same for offshore turbines and their construction. In response to the concerns, Marine Minister Emma Hardy has asked the industry to look into new, quieter ways to remove ordinances from the water to reduce the environmental impacts of noise pollution.

"These new measures support the construction of offshore wind that the UK needs,” said the Minister, “while making sensible changes to stop needless harm to underwater life." 

A site for sore ears

Traditional diesel generators play a major role in creating noise pollution on construction sites. This is more than just an unpleasant inconvenience; it can actually damage your health. According to the Health and Safety Executive, if you need to raise your voice to have a normal conversation when standing two metres apart, then the noise level could be harmful.

The World Health Organisation says that noise pollution is the second largest environmental cause of health issues. It estimates that in Europe alone, 48,000 cases of heart disease, and 12,000 deaths, can be traced back to exposure to noise and the stress hormones this creates in the body. 

Turn it down

Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers must take steps to prevent or reduce noise at work. While there are no strict limits in force, sites should be kept below what are known as Significant Observed Adverse Effect Levels. And that’s where a Think Hire solar powered generator can be a big help.

A typical 50kW diesel generator produces around 85dB of noise – around the same as busy city traffic, or a food blender at close range. By contrast, the innovative Solartainer Versatile solar powered generator makes no sound whatsoever when in solar mode, only using its diesel back up during periods of high demand or low battery power.

Silent and safe, the Solartainer solar powered generator can be used as a direct replacement for noisy diesel generators up to 100kVA, and you can link units to deliver even more power for larger sites.

So now, as well as cutting CO2, NOx, SO2 and other greenhouse gas pollution, you can also cut noise pollution at the same time. Better still, since hybrid solar powered generators don’t need nearly as much fuel, you’ll cut your operating costs too. Which means that you can improve the environment for your workforce, your neighbours, and your finance department, all at the same time.
Have a quiet word about a solar powered generator today by contacting Think Hire to see, and hear, how our industry leading green technology can improve the environment for everyone.

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