Event Solar PowerSilent Solar Power for Weddings, Parties, Concerts, Environmental Fairs, Education, and Other Activities |
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Download a PDF copy of the Frequently Asked Questions List:  Event Solar Power Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions RENTAL
1. How do we arrange to rent the Solar ShuttleTM? AT YOUR SITE
7. We have more than one location on site that needs power. Do you have other solar equipment we can use in addition to the Solar ShuttleTM? EQUIPMENT & POWER REQUIREMENTS
11. What type of equipment can the Solar ShuttleTM power? REFERENCES
20. How long have you been providing event power? MISCELLANEOUS
22. Do you / will you install solar energy equipment on my home / business? Q1: How do we arrange to rent the Solar ShuttleTM? A1: This is a simple three-step process: 1. First .. let's make sure we're available on the day of your event. 2. We need to be sure we can fulfill your power requirements. 3. Book the Solar Shuttle for your event! The easiest way is to take care of these is to contact us via e-mail. Send e-mail to us by clicking here: In your message, please provide the following:
When in doubt, more detail is better. If you don't know how much power a device or appliance consumes, we'll be glad to help. We also have a very simple one-page "worksheet" we can send to you via e-mail. It will help you to define and organize your power requirements. NOTE: If the e-mail link above isn't visible on your screen, go to your browser "Preferences" tab, enable "Javascript", and re-load this page. Should your browser ask "Allow Blocked Content?" answer "Yes". (The link is protected to help reduce spam.) If for some reason you still cannot see the link, copy and paste our e-mail address into your e-mail program: Section Top Page Top Q2: How much does it cost to rent the Solar ShuttleTM (and other equipment if needed)? A2: Rental rate is negotiated at the time of booking, and depends on the type, location, time, and duration of the event, among other things. The cost is frequently very competitive to what you'd pay for a gasoline or diesel generator of comparable power, especially when you include the price of fuel, plus your time and hassle of renting the generator, then either having it delivered and picked up (rental companies charge extra for this!), or YOU pick it up and take it back. (Generators can be incredibly heavy!) The Solar ShuttleTM standard rental is $75 per hour (in one-hour increments), with a four-hour minimum. The Shuttle Power WagonTM rate is $40 per hour (in 30 minute increments), with a one-hour minimum. The Shuttle Power CartTM rate is $25 per hour (in 30 minute increments), with a one-hour minimum. There is also a portal-to-portal (round-trip) transportation cost of one dollar per mile from Keller, Texas to your event or activity site. Keep in mind that for the stated rates, we: 1) Deliver all equipment to your event site; 2) Place and set up the equipment for you. 3) Have a trained operator stay with the equipment for the duration of your event to help ensure success of your event; and 4) Pack up and return all equipment at the conclusion of your event. There is substantial value to you in not having to deal with any of this. If you've ever rented a generator .. you understand what we mean. Section Top Page Top Q3: How far in advance of our event should we make rental arrangements? A3: As soon as possible! The Solar ShuttleTM is so popular, it's booked a year or more in advance by some events. Our busiest months tend to be April, June, September, and October. Section Top Page Top Q4: How do I/we make payment? A4: Payments can be sent to us via our website or US Mail. On our website, we accept credit and debit cards (VISA, Master Card, Discover, and American Express) via PayPalTM. Via US Mail, we accept checks, Cashier's checks, and money orders. Payment on site via cash or check the day of your event is accepted only from previously approved or established customers, and must be tendered prior to the start of your event. If you are a government agency, municipality, school district, or similar, an invoice will be issued and you may pay by check or credit card according to the terms of the invoice (which will be established in advance of your event in accordance with your standard payment policy). Otherwise, an advance invoice will be issued, and prepayment is required. Please mail your payment 10 or more calendar days in advance of your event date to allow time for your check to clear the bank. (Yes, sadly we've received bad checks over the years.) Section Top Page Top Q5: Will we have to pick up and return the Solar ShuttleTM? A5: No. We have good news for you! Experienced personnel will bring the Solar ShuttleTM to your event location, set it up, and stay with it to ensure proper operation and power for the duration of your event. You've got many other things that require your attention. With our help, worrying about power for your event won't be one of them. Section Top Page Top Q6: What equipment do we need to provide? A6:It is best if you provide all of the power cords required. However, we realize this isn't always possible. Subsequently, we offer a limited number of extension cords for rent with the Solar ShuttleTM and our auxiliary power systems. We carry two different cord sizes and three different lengths of extension cords in our inventory. See our "Equipment Specification" page for details. You (or someone working with you such as your event sound or equipment manager) will need to provide all other power cables of adequate length and size for the loads. Outlets in the Solar ShuttleTM are standard "NEMA-15" and "NEMA-20". These are an industrial-grade 20 amp outlet and will accommodate either 15 amp or 20 amp plugs, identical to what you use around your home or office. For optimal safety and power stability, your event layout should allow the Solar ShuttleTM to be located within 100 feet or less from the loads it will power. Important Note: You are responsible for proper layout and protection of all power cords (same as if you rented a generator). Our responsibility extends to but not beyond the outlets. Section Top Page Top Q7: We have more than one location on site that needs power. Do you have other solar equipment we can use in addition to the Solar ShuttleTM? A7: Yes - to a point. If the power needs of your additional locations are low-to-modest, we may be able to help. Multiple sound stages or other large loads at separate locations cannot be accommodated at this time. For low-power and modest-power loads, we have a solar power wagon (a large garden wagon equipped with batteries, solar panel, and inverter) able to provide up to 1,100 watts. We also have a solar power cart for loads rated up to 250 watts (short term). These are light-duty power sources suitable for continuous loads up to 400 watts and 75 watts respectively. The solar wagon includes a 250 watt solar panel. The solar cart has a 180 watt solar panel. The portable power sources are available for an additional rental charge, and must be arranged in advance of your event date. If your power needs are exceptionally large, or of long duration, a second solar trailer of similar capabilities to the Solar ShuttleTM may be available if arrangements are made sufficiently in advance. The rental rate for the second solar trailer would be similar to that of the Solar ShuttleTM. You will be billed for both trailers delivered to your site, even if only one is used at a time. Section Top Page Top Q8: Are there any special parking requirements for the Solar ShuttleTM? A8: To a point. If your event is held during the day, the solar panels must face south into the sun, where they may be tilted out, thus allowing them to generate the maximum possible electricity. If your event begins late in the afternoon, or takes place exclusively after sundown, the Solar ShuttleTM may face any direction. The Solar ShuttleTM location must also be reasonably level, on firm ground, and free of low-hanging branches or other objects. If your event is held during the day, the Solar ShuttleTM must also be free of shade. The Solar ShuttleTM is heavy (due to the batteries inside). Care should be taken to avoid putting the Solar ShuttleTM in areas with underground sprinklers, pedestrian sidewalks, or other items that may be damaged by the weight. Curbs are also a consideration, and may require sandbags or other means to allow the Solar ShuttleTM to be towed over the curb if needed. Sufficient area must be available to allow maneuvering room for the Solar ShuttleTM and the tow vehicle, especially if your event is during the day and the Solar ShuttleTM must be parked with the solar panels facing south for maximum exposure to the sun. If a platform such as a sound stage or other structure is to be provided for entertainers, or other obstacles will be present or erected on site in the vicinity of the Solar ShuttleTM (such as vendor tents, booths, displays, etc.), then this needs to be told to us ahead of time and made a part of your contract. We need to arrive at your site sufficiently in advance of your construction and/or assembly work so the Solar ShuttleTM can be properly oriented (and the tow vehicle disconnected and removed if necessary), without interfering with the setup for the other participants. Section Top Page Top Q9: How much area does the Solar ShuttleTM require? A9: The Solar ShuttleTM requires about the same area as two standard parking spaces side-by-side (approximately 20 feet by 20 feet). This allows room for the Solar ShuttleTM, and a safety zone so the photovoltaic modules ("solar panels") can be tilted to face the sun. An additional space will be needed ahead of the Solar ShuttleTM if it remains connected to the tow vehicle. Allowing the Solar ShuttleTM to remain attached to the tow vehicle may reduce the rental cost, as it eliminates the added labor required to disconnect and reconnect the Solar ShuttleTM. Section Top Page Top Q10: How much time is needed to set up the Solar ShuttleTM and get it operational? A10: In an open, level area, the Solar ShuttleTM can be completely set up and operational in approximately 20 minutes for daytime events. This allows time to orient the Solar ShuttleTM's solar panels for best exposure to the sun, and tilting and locking the solar panels into place. Protective traffic cones and "Caution" tape are installed to protect your guests and our equipment. If your event is at night, there's no need to orient the Solar ShuttleTM or deploy the solar panels, in which case setup time can be as little as is needed to park the Solar ShuttleTM, and (if needed), unhitch and park the tow vehicle. Power is available almost immediately after arriving on site and parking the Solar ShuttleTM, regardless of the time of your event. Special consideration for navigating around, trees, water sprinklers, or other obstacles will add somewhat to the setup time. We strive to do our homework and be familiar with your site. We have even driven to an event location a few days in advance so that we may familiarize ourselves with the layout and possible obstructions. If we do this, it's done on our own time and at our own expense. We try to do everything we can to help ensure the success of your event. Section Top Page Top Q11: What type of equipment can the Solar ShuttleTM power? A11: The Solar ShuttleTM can power anything that plugs into a typical 120 volt household circuit. Most commonly, the Solar ShuttleTM provides power for sound stage amplifier and audio/video equipment, as well as totally silent power for wedding ceremonies and similar occasions. The electricity provided by the Solar ShuttleTM is true sine wave. It's cleaner and much more stable than anything you can get from a generator or the utility company. This also has numerous added advantages:
Section Top Page Top Q12: Are there any types of devices for which you won't provide power? A12: Yes. We generally won't allow large, continuously operating loads such as air conditioners, electric cooking equipment, pumps, large spotlights, and other high-power consumption items that operate on a steady basis. However, that said, there may be exceptions. Loads of this nature need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Section Top Page Top Q13: Is the Solar ShuttleTM able to provide power for stage lighting? A13: Possibly, but this depends to a great extent on the type of lighting and how long it will be used. Incandescent spotlights, floodlights, and other incandescent lamps consume large amounts of energy on a continuous basis. After dark, batteries are the only source of energy in the Solar ShuttleTM. Although the batteries store quite a bit of energy, it's not unlimited. The larger the loads (meaning the higher the wattage), the faster the battery energy gets depleted. If you are using "LED" lights, there's a good chance we can provide power for them for many hours. This has to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you're going to use incandescent stage lights, you may need to rent a generator just for the lights. The stage lights can be connected to the generator, while the audio amplifiers remain connected to the Solar ShuttleTM. This is a win-win for you and your event. You can rent a smaller generator than would be needed for the lights and the stage audio combined. Powering the stage lights from a generator isolates dimmers, switching circuits, and other interference-producing sources from the audio mixers and amplifiers. You'll eliminate one BIG "noise" problem that often plagues audio equipment at concerts and other events. Section Top Page Top Q14: Will audio and other equipment work as well on the Solar ShuttleTM as it does from utility power? A14: Yes! In fact, even better! The Solar ShuttleTM has provided power for Grammy-award winning bands and performers. The sound engineers and performers from every group have said the power provided by the Solar ShuttleTM is "perfect!". The sound production engineer for "Brave Combo" (a multiple Grammy-award winning group) said power from the Solar ShuttleTM "is even cleaner and more stable than the electricity they have in their studio". Section Top Page Top Q15: What is the maximum power available from the Solar ShuttleTM? A15: 120V at up to 100 amps ac (12,000 watts) for short periods of time, and up to 200 amps (25,000 watts) for a few seconds. These power levels are an absolute maximum, and are not recommended. Very high power consumption at these levels will rapidly discharge the batteries. On the other hand, the Solar ShuttleTM routinely provides power for bands consuming up to 10,000 watts of peak audio power all day on sunny days with complete success. However, "music" power is a very different and much easier load than "continuous" power in spite of its momentary very high demand. Power tools and other loads are limited to 20 amps per circuit, and up to 50 amps per inverter (two inverters). There are eight output circuits available inside the Solar ShuttleTM - four from each inverter. For reliability and backup purposes, only one main inverter is used at a time. Section Top Page Top Q16: Can the Solar ShuttleTM provide power on cloudy days? A16: Yes. Large batteries inside the Solar ShuttleTM store considerable (but not unlimited) backup power. If your event is held in the daytime on a sunny day, the sun will enhance the amount of power you can use without depleting the batteries. If it's cloudy on the day of your event, power consumption may need to be reduced to ensure the success of your event. Under such circumstances, our on-site staff will work closely with you to help manage your energy requirements. Section Top Page Top Q17: Our event begins in the afternoon and ends well after sundown. Is this a problem? A17: Generally not. During the day, on very sunny days, the solar panels can often generate sufficient power to keep up with fairly large bands and other loads. At night, power is exclusively from energy stored in the batteries, and your power consumption may need to be reduced to help ensure an adequate supply through the end of your event. It all depends on how much power is being consumed, and for how long. Section Top Page Top Q18: How long will the batteries last before they go dead? A18: There's no simple answer to this question. It all depends on whether the Solar ShuttleTM is being used during the day or at night (the solar panels contributed significant energy on very sunny days), what you're powering, how much energy it consumes, and for how long. Typically, on sunny days, the photovoltaic modules ("solar panels") on the Solar ShuttleTM will generally keep up with a sound stage that's sized for events up to 5,000 people or so, and provide power all day and into the evening. On the other hand, excessively large continuous loads such as a very big bounce house with multiple blowers might run the batteries dead in as little as two to four hours. Section Top Page Top Q19: We don't need very much power. Will you rent just the smaller systems by themselves, without the Solar ShuttleTM? A19: No. Sorry. Everything comes as a package. Section Top Page Top Q20: How long have you been providing event power? A20: For more than 12 years in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex, and more than 20 years in other parts of the country. Section Top Page Top Q21: We would like some references. For whom, or what events have you provided power? A21: The list is considerable. Here are but a few:
The above are but a few of the events and locations where the Solar ShuttleTM and its predecessor systems have been utilized. There are literally hundreds of others. There's a very important fact here: Annual events we power almost always book us ON SITE at their event for the next year! When customers reach out a year in advance .. year after year .. this is very compelling proof of the superiority of the quality of electrical power and the services we provide! Section Top Page Top Q22: Do you / will you install solar energy equipment on my home/business? A22: No, we don't sell or install solar energy equipment, but we'll be glad to refer you to several companies in this area that are in the solar energy installation business. Section Top Page Top Q23: Would you build a solar trailer like the Solar ShuttleTM for me / us? A23: No. Sorry. It's not a matter of concern for competition .. it's a matter of sanity. It took 14 months of spare weekends to build the Solar ShuttleTM. One more "Shuttle" and Dan's wife would have him committed. We'll be glad to refer you to companies that build solar trailers. A word of warning: Be prepared for sticker shock. Prices can be upwards of $82,000 for solar trailer models with capabilities similar to that of the Solar ShuttleTM. Section Top Page Top Q24: How much did it cost to build the Solar ShuttleTM? A24: The cost to build in 2009 was about $65,000. This is a bit more than it would be today due to a decrease in the price of photovoltaic modules ("solar panels") in the past several years. However, there are other factors to consider. The Solar ShuttleTM has two or more of everything for reliability and backup purposes. In addition to providing solar power for events and activities, the Solar ShuttleTM is available for use by first responders such as Texas Task Force One. If something should fail to work during an emergency, lives could be lost. Fortunately, there have never been any failures in any of our equipment in more than 12 years, but it's a risk we can't afford to take - so we carry backups and spares of everything with us - and this adds to the cost. Section Top Page Top Q25: I didn't find my question asked here. How may I contact you to ask? A25: The easiest method is by e-mail to: ... E-mail is easier for us too. We're often at functions that at times can be so noisy we don't hear the cell phones ring. Even if we did, the music or other audio volume is so loud we can't hear. We'd like to give you our fullest attention when we talk with you. It's often difficult to do this when we're on site at an event. Section Top Page Top Keywords: (And yes .. we know they're not visible - or at least they're not supposed to be!) Alternative. Audio. Band. Birthday. Concert. Dallas. DFW. DJ. Eco. Ecological. Electric. Electricity. Energy. Environmental. Event solar power. Fort Worth. Generator. Graduation. Green. Metroplex. Mobile. Mobile solar. Mobile Solar Power. Movie. Music. Outdoor. Party. Portable Power. Power. Quiet. Reception. Renewable. Silent. Solar. Sound stage. Soundstage. Sustainable. Texas. Trailer. Venue. Video. Wedding. |
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