Garic launch solar-powered welfare unit
Company aims to revolutionize the market with UK’s first completely solar-powered welfare unit
WELFARE unit industry leaders Garic say they are set to revolutionize the market by launching the UK’s first generator-free, completely solar-powered welfare unit. The Combi-Cabin Eco Series Plus is due to be unveiled at next week’s Plantworx show in Leicestershire, from 2–4 June.
The 24ft x 9ft Eco Series Plus unit, which is covered by a 12V technology patent, 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 at live construction sites concluded that the Eco Series Plus could save contractors up to 88% in fuel costs alone, compared with a standard 240V generator-powered Combi-Cabin. They also revealed that CO2 emissions were reduced by up to 88% too.
Over a 24h period and based on a fuel cost of 58p per litre, the generator-powered cabin used £31.32 worth of fuel compared with the Eco Series Plus, which only used £3.60 – which equates to around 15p per hour.
In addition, Garic say the new Combi-Cabin Eco Series Plus has a further crucial benefit in that the unit is fully compliant with the 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 9h 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, and 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 Garic’s latest innovation, 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.’
