By Chad Pearson, Plexxis Software
In recent years, construction job sites have felt the heat of stricter regulations on carbon-based fuel sources. But, as they say, when one door closes, another opens. This is an opportunity for construction sites to embrace the future and adopt alternative forms of power that are not only better for the environment but also wallet-friendly in the long run. Let’s dive into why alternative power sources are the way to go for construction sites and explore some of the options available.
Image source: flexfleetrental.com
Advantages of Alternative Power Sources
Switching to alternative power sources in construction is like hitting the jackpot! Not only will you be saving money by ditching those costly generators, but you’ll also be doing your part to save the planet. Think about it, solar energy is a renewable resource that can be harnessed with photovoltaic (PV) systems, turning sunshine into electricity. You can use it right away or store it for later, it’s like having your own personal battery charger. And the best part? Many forms of alternative energy are emissions-free, which means you may even qualify for some sweet government incentives.
But it’s not just about saving money, alternative power sources also make your job site a safer place. Traditional fossil-fueled equipment like generators require regular refueling, which can be a risky business. But with alternative options like hydrogen fuel cells, you don’t have to worry about refueling at all! Plus, electric tools don’t require combustible materials like traditional gas-powered tools, so you don’t have to worry about any fire hazards. All in all, switching to alternative power sources is a no-brainer. More efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety, what more could you want? It’s a win-win situation!
When it comes to powering your construction job site, you’ve got plenty of choices to pick from. Check them out below:
Solar Energy: As mentioned before, PV systems harness the power of the sun, converting it into electrical energy that can be used on-demand or stored for later. It’s a great alternative to fossil fuels as it’s widely available and only becoming more efficient as technology advances.
Hydroelectricity: Water turbines convert the kinetic energy from flowing water into electrical energy, providing a low-cost option for those with access to rivers or lakes with sufficient flow.
Image Source: engineeringa2z.com
Wind Energy: Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from gusts of wind into electrical energy, which can then be used directly or stored in batteries for later use again just like with hydroelectricity above – though wind turbines don’t require access to bodies water like hydroelectricity does so they can potentially be located almost anywhere with enough wind present (depending on local regulations).
Biomass & Biofuels: These renewable fuels are produced from organic materials such as plants or animal waste, making them an attractive option for replacing diesel or petrol engines on job sites. Biogas produced through fermentation processes is one such example.
Image Source: abpdu.lbl.gov
Geothermal: Heat pumps extract heat from deep within the earth’s surface, providing efficient heating solutions with lower running costs than traditional fossil fuels.
Say goodbye to fossil fuels, hello to alternative power sources! With the cost of fossil fuels on the rise and regulations cracking down on their environmental impact, it’s time to switch things up on your construction job site. But don’t worry, finding the perfect alternative power source for your needs is a piece of cake. From solar energy, to hydroelectricity, to wind energy, to biomass and biofuels, to geothermal, the options are endless. And the best part? Not only will you be saving money in the long run, but you’ll also be doing your part to save the planet. So, let’s make the switch and show Mother Earth some love!
*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance. This article was originally published in February on the Plexxis blog site. It is reprinted with permission from Plexxis.