Propane-powered lighthouses have many benefits, including convenience, reduced emissions and cost savings.
The pillars of almost any construction site are products that keep the area illuminated. The lighthouse is a simple must-have tool for any project that requires the crew to work before dawn or after dusk. Although it may be an afterthought on the job site, choosing the right lighthouse requires some ideas to maximize its effect.
When choosing a power source for on-site lighting, it is important to consider which energy source can help workers make the most of their working day, contribute to a healthier working environment, and meet project budgets.
Traditionally, diesel has been a common power source for lighthouses, and propane has provided construction professionals with many benefits, including convenience, reduced emissions, and cost savings.
Work locations vary greatly, which is why construction professionals need energy that is truly portable and versatile. Fortunately, propane is portable and easily available across the country, which is useful for locations that are not yet connected to a utility or are located in locations where natural gas cannot reach. Propane can be stored on-site or delivered by a local propane supplier, so there is always energy there when the crew needs it.
In fact, propane is a readily available energy source, which is one of the reasons why propane was selected as the backup fuel for Universal Power Products’ solar hybrid light tower. The device can carry two 33.5 lbs. Propane cylinders are suitable for residential, commercial and industrial sites. The lighthouse only needs a seven-day programmable timer, requires almost no maintenance, has low fuel consumption, and can operate unattended.
Propane-powered applications can not only provide lighting for the site, but also provide reliable performance for the crew even in rain, damp and cold weather conditions. In addition, propane can provide a fuel for the crew because it can power many types of construction equipment. Propane usually powers on-site heaters, portable generators, trolleys, scissor lifts, power concrete trowels, concrete grinders and polishers.
Traditionally, the construction industry has widely used diesel equipment on construction sites, which has attracted the attention of health and environmental protection advocates in recent years. In order to meet environmental regulations, improve air quality for crew members and reduce urban air pollution, crew members are seeking clean, environmentally friendly energy for their construction site equipment.
Propane is a low-carbon energy source. In a wide range of field applications, it produces significantly less greenhouse gas, nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions than diesel, gasoline and electricity. Propane is also a clean alternative fuel approved under the Clean Air Act of 1990. According to Dave McAllister, vice president of business development, propane’s environmentally friendly nature is another reason Magnum Power Products chose it as a backup fuel for its solar hybrid light tower.
Statistically, 85% of construction projects exceed budget. With this in mind, it is important for the crew to reduce and control costs as much as possible. Fortunately, the use of propane power equipment can help the crew save maintenance and fuel costs.
For example, solar hybrid light towers save considerable operating costs compared to diesel models. If you work 7 days a week and work 10 hours a day, the device will consume approximately US$16 per week of propane, while diesel is US$122-saving up to US$5,800 per year.
Propane provides crews with a long-term solution to the price fluctuations of traditional fuels such as gasoline and diesel, because it is a product of both natural gas and petroleum, and the price of propane is between the prices of the two fuels. In addition, most of the propane supply used in the United States is produced in North America, and even if the global fuel market fluctuates, costs can remain stable. By signing a fuel contract with a local propane supplier, the crew can further protect themselves from market fluctuations.
Matt McDonald is the director of off-road business development for the Propane Education and Research Council. You can contact him at matt.mcdonald@propane.com.