Trime’s Pole star

23 February 2022

The efficiency and capabilities of alternative power sources are constantly being enhanced, meaning that hirers and users must keep abreast of the latest developments and opportunities designed to achieve greater sustainability. 

A good example is that Trime has introduced the new X-Pole Solar Pro compact lighting tower, superseding the original X-Pole Solar model.

Paul Hay, managing director of Trime (UK), tells me that the main difference is the multi-directional capability of the solar panel which can now be set in a choice of three positions to capture the most available light.

The battery has also been upgraded to a 110Ah AGM (absorbent glass mat) unit which is fitted at the base of the machine to facilitate charging. 

“In normal operation the X-Pole Solar Pro will rarely need charging,” says Paul, “but if it has been stored inside away from sunlight or in a yard with the solar panels not in the optimum position, it might need it before going out on hire.” 

The machine, which is part of Trime’s T-Zero range of emission-free battery powered products, has a single 40W LED lamp fitted to a 5.5m mast that delivers an illuminated area of 400 sq m and it offers automatic start-up via passive infrared (PIR) sensors.

Running time is 15 hours at 100% illumination but the light output can be dimmed and this mode gives 58 hours of operation. A telemetry system can also be fitted as an option to monitor operation, particularly useful in remote locations. 

Trime intends to completely phase out petrol and diesel versions of its site lighting, power generation and associated equipment by 2025, and replace them with emission-free models. 

Paul tells me that we can expect to see other new solar powered machines from the company in the coming months.