Off-Grid Environmental Monitoring: Powering Compliance through Solar and Battery Innovation

From meeting your sustainability and Net Zero targets to simply having no mains power, there are multiple reasons why UK construction and demolition sites require off-grid power. Off-grid renewable energy systems—specifically solar-plus-storage solutions—offer a robust method for powering noise, vibration, and dust monitoring equipment. To maintain compliance with Section 61 requirements, sites must ensure an uninterrupted power supply to facilitate continuous, reliable environmental data collection.

Overcoming the UK Climate

While solar power is the gold standard for sustainability, the British weather is famously temperamental. For construction sites, “intermittent” power is not an option; a gap in data can lead to a breach of Section 61 consent and potential site shutdowns. At Campbell Associates, our philosophy is centred on Solar-Plus-Storage. By pairing high-efficiency panels with high-capacity, intelligent battery systems, we enable sites to bridge the gap between sunny spells and the inevitable grey weeks of a UK winter.

The OGRE PS300: High-Capacity Power for Demanding Sites

For projects requiring maximum autonomy, the OGRE PS300 (Off-Grid Renewable Energy) system stands as the powerhouse of our range. Engineered specifically to handle the higher energy demands of dust monitors and multi-unit setups, the PS300 features a high-output 300W solar array paired with a substantial 2kWh LiFePO4 battery. This combination provides a massive energy reserve, ensuring your monitoring remains live even during the darkest months. Housed in a rugged, powder-coated steel enclosure, the unit is built for the harshest site conditions. It also features our signature security-focused design: a detachable wheel and handle system that allows for easy deployment, which can then be removed to create a tamper-proof, static installation.

Intelligent Battery Technology

To meet rigorous site demands, our solutions, including the Solar Power Hub, are engineered specifically for the continuous, low-wattage draw of environmental monitors like the NoiseSens and VibrationSens units. Key features include:

LiFePO4 Technology: We utilise Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) for its superior stability and longevity. These batteries thrive in fluctuating UK temperatures (from -20°C to +60°C) without losing efficiency.
Bi-Facial Solar Panels: To capture every drop of energy on overcast days, our bi-facial panels collect sunlight from both sides—including light reflected off the ground.
Smart Monitoring: Our systems include Bluetooth-enabled controllers, allowing site managers to monitor power levels in real-time via an app.

Seamless Compliance with the Sonitus Cloud

Power is only half the battle; the data is the prize. All our power solutions are designed to work hand-in-hand with our automated monitoring range. When powered by our off-grid systems, monitors report 24/7 to the Sonitus Cloud.

This ecosystem ensures that even on the most remote demolition site, you have a “live” heartbeat of your environmental impact. You get the data you need for compliance, the peace of mind that your equipment will not fail overnight, and the satisfaction of significantly reducing your site’s carbon footprint by removing the need for noisy, high-emission diesel generators.

Conclusion

Transitioning to off-grid solar and battery power is no longer just a “green” luxury—it is a logistical necessity for modern UK construction. By utilising Campbell Associates’ robust battery solutions, contractors can ensure that their commitment to the environment matches their commitment to project timelines and regulatory excellence.

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