A not-for-profit company
is behind new technology
which could revolutionise outdoor
music festivals.
Brighton-based Firefly has developed
the Orion solar powered generator
- the first of its kind - which
can power an entire events stage
without contributing to climate
change.
It uses a PA system and LED
lighting to produce all the sound
and fury of a normal music festival
but with zero emissions.
Orion has cost £75,000 to develop
over the past two years.
Although it is powered by the
sun, a battery back-up system
means it will keep working
even during the greyest of British
summers.
The men behind Firefly, based in
St George's Place, are former
theatre producer Andy Mead and
Paul Brain who is, appropriately
enough, the brains behind the technology.
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Mr Brain has a background in
electrical wholesale and originally
built a biodiesel generator. However,
this proved inefficient, was
noisy and produced excessive
fumes.
He said: "Someone suggested
solar power, so we had a look to see
if there was anything out there. We
were surprised to find out there
wasn't."
Mr Mead added: "Everyone
realises these days music festivals
should be green and sustainable."
Mr Brain spent six months
researching the technology and
speaking to solar panel installers
until he came up with a system
which worked.
Firefly tested the generator
at last year's Loop festival in
Brighton. Since then they have
been inundated with interest and
have won a National Outdoor
Events Association Green Award.
Orion will feature initially at
smaller British festivals throughout
the summer such as the Lovebox
Weekender in London and
Strawberry Fair in Cambridge.
Mr Mead said: "We are hoping to
have a stage at Glastonbury but we
want to develop the technology and
prove ourselves in the marketplace
first."
Firefly admits the technology is
reliant on the weather but before
events the team makes careful calculations
of how much electricity
will be needed to ensure the generator
is primed with enough power.
Mr Mead said: "We can offer a
guarantee Orion will not run out of
power before an event is finished."
Firefly is proud of its status as a
community interest company and
all profits are reinvested into
research and development.
This allows the firm to help out
with small, volunteer-run festivals
and events for little or no charge.
Mr Mead said: "When we first
came up with the idea we didn't
want to make loads of money."
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