When should I choose a hybrid setup instead of a battery only?

You should choose a hybrid setup instead of a standalone battery when you need more or continuous power than a battery can deliver, or when no reliable grid connection is available. A battery works well for temporary or fluctuating power demand, but projects with long-lasting loads or high peaks require extra support. In a hybrid setup, the battery supplies energy during low demand, and the generator automatically starts to recharge or provide additional power when needed.

Can a hybrid setup operate completely emission-free?

A hybrid setup can operate almost entirely emission-free in many situations, depending on the energy source used to charge the battery. The battery itself provides fully emission-free power, so as long as energy demand stays within its capacity, operation is completely clean. When the generator is needed to recharge or support the battery, some emissions occur. However, hybrid systems can also be connected to renewable sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. In that case, the battery charges entirely with renewable energy and the generator can remain off. If a generator is used, there will be minimal emissions compared with traditional setups, since the generator only runs when required.

How much fuel and costs can I save with a hybrid system?

A hybrid setup from Greener provides major savings in fuel use, operating hours and overall costs. Because the generator only runs when necessary to recharge or assist the battery, energy is used much more efficiently. In practice, this can reduce generator running hours by up to 90 percent and fuel consumption by up to 60 percent, depending on the project and power demand. Lower running hours also mean less wear, reduced maintenance and lower operational costs throughout the project. Fuel logistics and transport needs are reduced as well, since refuelling is required far less often. In addition, combining a battery with a generator cuts CO₂, nitrogen and particulate emissions by up to 90 percent compared with traditional diesel generators.

Setup

Hybrid

What is a hybrid setup?

In a hybrid setup, a battery and a generator work together to deliver efficient and sustainable power. The battery provides direct, emission-free electricity from its stored energy. The generator is used to recharge the battery when needed. This can be done at specific times if the project requires it, for example, only during the day for quiet nights.

How does a hybrid setup work?

During operation, the battery supplies power to the load. When the battery runs low or power demand becomes too high, the generator is automatically started by our in house-built EMS to recharge it. Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the generator shuts down again. This means the generator only runs when it is truly needed.

In a traditional setup, a generator often runs continuously, even when only a small amount of power is required. The size of the generator is matched to peak power demand of the project, leading to oversized assets being used. This leads to unnecessary fuel use and higher CO₂ emissions and unnecessary noise pollution.

With a hybrid energy setup from Greener, that waste is eliminated. The battery covers periods of low energy demand, and the generator operates only when necessary. This smart combination reduces generator running hours and can cut diesel and CO₂ emissions.

A hybrid setup is ideal for locations with no grid connection. It provides a reliable and sustainable power supply without interruptions. It is an excellent choice for projects with fluctuating energy demand.

How does Greener apply hybrid setups?

At Greener Power Solutions, hybrid setups are managed through our Energy Management System. This system automatically controls when the generator starts and stops, recharging the battery when needed, ensuring maximum efficiency with the lowest emissions possible.

Through our software, we continuously track energy use and savings, giving you clear insight into fuel, CO₂ and nitrogen reductions achieved during your project.

Applications across different sectors

Construction and Infrastructure

On construction sites, a strong grid connection is not always available, while energy demand can be high and variable. A hybrid energy setup offers the perfect solution.

The battery supplies emission-free power for lighting, tools and electric machinery. When demand peaks, for example, when several heavy machines are in use, the generator automatically starts to support and recharge. Because the generator does not need to run continuously, fuel use, operating hours and emissions are significantly reduced. This makes the setup more sustainable, quieter and cost-efficient as well as creating a better environment for workers on site.

It is especially suited for projects in urban areas or where strict emission and noise standards apply.

Events

At events, a constant, quiet and reliable power supply is essential. With a hybrid power setup, a festival or event can run on cleaner, more efficient energy. The battery provides most of the required power, while the generator only runs to recharge or support when needed. This keeps noise levels low for visitors and reduces emissions by up to 90 percent compared to traditional diesel generators.

A hybrid system also makes it possible to provide sustainable power at remote locations, without any risk of power failure.

Grid Services

Hybrid set ups can provide support when it comes to grid congestion or limited grid capacity, but they are not the main set up to solve those issues.
In case of grid congestion we suggest you look at Grid Boost. And in case of limited grid capacity we suggest  load sharing.

Rental Companies

For rental companies that supply energy solutions, a hybrid system is a sustainable and profitable alternative to traditional generators. By connecting a battery to an existing generator, clients can save fuel and reduce emissions without losing reliability.

The battery handles demand peaks, so the generator runs less frequently and for shorter periods. This extends equipment lifespan and reduces maintenance costs. It also helps rental companies meet growing demand for cleaner energy solutions and comply with stricter emission standards.

EV-Charging

A hybrid setup can enable fast and reliable EV charging, even at locations without a suitable grid connection. The battery delivers the required power to charge electric vehicles quickly, while the generator only runs when needed to recharge the battery.

This allows electric vehicles to be charged anywhere, without overloading the grid or waiting for reinforcement. For logistics companies and construction sites, it is a flexible and scalable solution that accelerates the transition to electric transport.

Shore Power

In ports and at docking locations, ships often have a constant energy demand, which is traditionally met by diesel generators. However, for some ships the energy demand may be more variable. In this case, a hybrid power setup offers a more sustainable alternative. The battery supplies power to the vessel, while the generator only operates when demand exceeds the battery’s capacity or the battery requires re charging.
This greatly reduces noise, fuel consumption and emissions, creating a cleaner and quieter port environment.

FAQ

You should choose a hybrid setup when you need more or continuous power than a battery can deliver, or when no reliable grid connection is available.

A battery works well for fluctuating power demand, but projects with long-lasting loads or high peaks require extra support. In a hybrid setup, the battery supplies energy during low demand, and the generator automatically starts to recharge or provide additional power when needed.

A hybrid setup, meaning a setup with a battery and a generator, cannot operate completely emission free. However, a hybrid setup with a battery and a generator can significantly reduce diesel use, generator size & running time, emissions and noise.

If you’re looking for a completely emission free set up that includes the grid and or renewable energy sources, please have a look at Loadsharing.

A hybrid setup from Greener provides major savings in fuel use, operating hours and overall costs. Because the generator only runs when necessary to recharge or assist the battery, energy is generated much more efficiently. In practice, this can reduce generator running hours by up to 90 percent depending on the project and power demand.

Lower running hours mean less wear and tear, reduced maintenance and lower operational costs throughout the project. Fuel logistics and transport needs are also reduced since refuelling is required less often.

The main difference between these three setups lies in how the battery is used and which energy sources it works with.

A hybrid setup combines a battery with a generator. The battery provides power for the base load, while the generator automatically starts to recharge or support when demand increases. Once the battery is fully charged, the generator switches off.

In peak shaving, the battery is connected to a grid supply. It charges when grid demand is low and discharges during peak demand, preventing grid overloads and reducing energy costs.

In load sharing, the battery distributes demand across multiple energy sources. It ensures that each source is used efficiently, keeping power supply stable without waste or overload.

All three systems make energy use more efficient, but the best choice depends on the site conditions and available energy sources.

Yes, a hybrid system can work with other energy sources. The battery can be connected not only to a generator but also to solar panels, wind turbines or a small grid connection. The system automatically selects the most efficient source to charge the battery and meet power demand.

If you’re looking for a completely emission free set up that includes the grid and or renewable energy sources, please have a look at Loadsharing.