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Why solar powered welfare units are the future of worksite accommodation

01-07-2025

Welfare units offer numerous benefits for remote working conditions. They’re clean, compliant, and comfortable, offering employees everything they need for a productive day on the job.

However, there is one benefit of welfare units that’s often overlooked, and one that we offer through our welfare unit hire service: Eco-friendliness.

All of our welfare units are manufactured to a high grade eco specification, which is becoming increasingly essential in a time when businesses’ reputations rely on addressing challenges such as climate change, pollution, and overconsumption.

Let’s take a closer look at why our solar powered welfare units might just be what the future needs…

How can solar powered welfare units benefit a business?

Solar powered welfare units offer the same durability, comfort, and facilities as diesel powered ones. The only difference is that businesses can utilise these welfare units to their advantage, showcasing their stance on topical environmental issues while reducing unnecessary costs.

Here are just a few more benefits of solar powered welfare units for businesses:

1. They can reduce fuel costs

We all know that diesel powered units rely on fossil fuels to operate, and that these are incredibly harmful to our environment, as well as being expensive to run.

Here’s where solar-hybrid powered welfare units come in. With their integrated photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems, they are up to 75% cheaper to run than fully generator powered units. This means businesses can benefit from cost savings, reduce their risk of contributing to global warming, and protect themselves from fluctuating fuel prices.

2. They can reduce carbon emissions

There is no ignoring the fact that the construction industry is under immense pressure to meet sustainability targets in order to comply with environmental legislation.

To meet carbon neutrality goals, solar powered welfare units can prevent over nine tonnes of CO₂ emissions per unit each year, with solar hybrid welfare units contributing slightly less (but still making a significant difference).

With reduced generator operation, businesses can reduce the emission of harmful pollutants, improve the air quality on their site, and contribute to creating an environmentally conscious working environment.

What’s more, letting the generator take a back seat means lower noise pollution – a huge benefit when working in cramped urban areas near local communities or noise sensitive environments where wildlife settle.

3. They still provide a comfortable on-site experience for employees

Employee well-being has never been more important than it is today. It’s especially vital for those working in remote areas for an extended period of time.

Solar powered welfare units can provide enhanced living and working conditions for these types of workers – all while serving as a greener, more beneficial worksite accommodation solution.

Operated either wholly or mostly by clean energy, they feature quiet operation and emit fewer harmful fumes into the surrounding area, minimising the risk of harmful respiratory injuries.

As a bonus, modern solar welfare units can be fitted with all the same bells and whistles as a diesel powered welfare unit, with an eco-friendly twist. You can expect the following high-grade features and facilities to improve your workforce’s well-being:

  • High-efficiency LED lighting
  • Solar charged heating and lighting
  • USB charging ports
  • Flushing toilets
  • Kitchen facilities
  • And more

4.They require less maintenance and servicing

When it comes to a solar powered welfare unit, you can expect less to go wrong. Solar and hybrid power welfare units excel in this category because they have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower servicing demands.

In comparison, diesel generators require regular servicing, including oil changes and fuel filter replacements, both of which can quickly add up in costs and lead to operational downtime.

Solar-hybrid welfare units are incredibly efficient and only rely on generator power when battery is low – potentially reducing generator runtime by up to 80%.

This means businesses can benefit from:

  • Less wear and tear
  • Fewer costly breakdowns
  • Fewer services
  • Lower risk of unplanned downtime
  • More time and money to focus on their job

Plus, when your welfare unit is designed to harvest and store solar energy throughout the day, it can operate almost entirely off grid for a long period of time. This can also reduce generator runtime and extend battery life.

5. They’re 100% future proof

Put simply, solar powered welfare units are a future proof solution. They can help companies stay compliant, align themselves with sustainability goals, and build an eco-friendly reputation for their client base.

These innovative units are becoming increasingly efficient over time, making them a worthwhile investment.

Eco-friendly welfare units for hire in the North West

At Welfare Unit Hire, all of our products – from our 4- to 6-person welfare units to 12-person units with an office – come with an eco-specification to help you meet your sustainability goals and save money while being kind to the planet.

If you’d like to learn more about our eco-friendly welfare unit hire, don’t hesitate to contact us to make an enquiry. We’ll help you take your first step towards a greener workplace future.

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