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UK Battery Reference Manual
Last Update March, 2026
Renting a large rechargeable power unit for a fixed period — instead of buying one or running a diesel generator. Units are lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery packs in wheeled flight cases, trolleys, or trailer cabinets, paired with an inverter that outputs 230 V AC, 16 A or 32 A sockets, and sometimes 3-phase 400 V.
Capacities in the UK hire market range from 500 Wh portable units up to 200+ kWh trailer systems used on film sets and large outdoor festivals. The battery is returned; the hire company recharges it at their depot.
| Term | What it means | Typical value |
|---|---|---|
| kWh | Kilowatt-hours — total stored energy | 5–200 kWh per unit |
| kW output | Peak power deliverable at one moment | 3–60 kW per unit |
| DoD | Depth of discharge — % of rated capacity usable | 80–95% for LFP |
| C-rate | Discharge speed relative to capacity | 0.5C–2C on hire units |
| THD | Total harmonic distortion — power quality | <3% on quality inverters |
Any scenario where mains power is unavailable, unreliable, or unsuitable — and where a diesel generator creates problems around noise, fumes, planning restrictions, or carbon commitments.
Stage power, bars, food traders, lighting. Noise limits and no-idling zones make generators impossible.
Location lighting, cameras, catering. Permits restrict generators; silent operation is non-negotiable.
Power tools, site cabins, EV charging. Grid connection delays of 6–18 months make temporary power essential.
POS systems, refrigeration, displays. Short-term leases mean landlords won't permit a generator.
Marquee power, catering, sound. Generator noise within 15m of guests is simply unacceptable.
Temporary charging at events or outside broadcasts where grid capacity is insufficient for rapid deployment.
Market-rate estimates based on publicly available UK hire company data. Peak summer (May–Sep) commands a 20–40% premium. Always get a written quote.
| Unit size | Capacity | Day rate | Weekend | Weekly | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small portable | 1–3 kWh | £30–£60 | £70–£120 | £150–£250 | Pop-ups, small AV, lighting strings |
| Mid-range | 5–15 kWh | £100–£200 | £200–£380 | £450–£850 | Food traders, small stages, site offices |
| Large cabinet | 20–50 kWh | £250–£500 | £450–£900 | £900–£2,200 | Medium events, construction, broadcast |
| Trailer system | 60–120 kWh | £600–£1,200 | £1,100–£2,000 | £2,500–£5,000 | Large stages, festivals, film sets |
| Multi-unit stack | 150–300 kWh | £1,500–£3,500 | POA | POA | Major festivals, long-run productions |
kWh ÷ average load (kW) = hours. Use 85% of rated capacity as your planning figure — units derate as temperature drops or charge approaches 20%.
| Unit | Usable capacity | Load scenario | Est. runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kWh unit | 8.5 kWh | 2× food traders (~1.2 kW avg combined) | ~7 hrs |
| 10 kWh unit | 8.5 kWh | PA system at 500 W average | ~17 hrs |
| 30 kWh unit | 25.5 kWh | Small stage (3 kW average load) | ~8.5 hrs |
| 30 kWh unit | 25.5 kWh | Site cabin + power tools (2.5 kW avg) | ~10 hrs |
| 80 kWh trailer | 68 kWh | Medium stage + FOH (8 kW average) | ~8.5 hrs |
| 80 kWh trailer | 68 kWh | 22 kW EV charger (sequential cars) | ~3 hrs full output |
| 200 kWh system | 170 kWh | Festival village (20 kW avg mixed load) | ~8.5 hrs |
| 200 kWh system | 170 kWh | Film lighting rig (15 kW average) | ~11 hrs |
Comparison baseline: 30 kWh equivalent capacity. Neither is universally better — the right choice depends on duration, load, location, and environmental constraints.
| Factor | Battery hire | Diesel generator |
|---|---|---|
| Noise level | Near-silent (<40 dB at 1m) | 65–85 dB at 1m; 10m exclusion zone |
| On-site emissions | Zero exhaust | ~2.7 kg CO₂ per litre; ~50–80 kg per 8 hrs |
| Indoor use | Yes — no fumes | Never indoors |
| Fuel logistics | None — charged at depot | Diesel delivery, storage, spill risk |
| Power quality (THD) | <3% — clean sine wave | 3–8% THD; can damage sensitive electronics |
| Day rate (30 kWh equiv.) | £250–£500 | £80–£180 (30 kVA generator) |
| Running costs | None (single charge included) | £1.50–£2.50/hr fuel + refuelling labour |
| Runtime limit | Fixed by capacity; needs recharge | Continuous with refuelling |
| Planning / noise permits | Rarely an issue | Often restricted; may need environmental permit |
| Cold weather | LFP loses ~10–20% below 0°C | Consistent in typical UK temperatures |
| Setup time | 15–30 minutes | 30–90 minutes (cabling, earthing, fuel) |
Battery hire typically breaks even with generator hire at around 8–12 hours of operation, once diesel and delivery fees are factored in.
LFP battery systems can legally and safely be used indoors — one of their primary advantages over generators. But there are material safety considerations every hirer must understand.
LFP chemistry has a thermal runaway threshold of around 270°C vs ~150°C for NMC, making it far less prone to fire. It does not release oxygen during failure, making suppression more straightforward. Reputable hire units include BMS protection, short-circuit cutoff, and live temperature monitoring.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | BSEN 62619 recommends ventilation for cabinets over 5 kWh. A standard ventilated room is sufficient; sealed plant rooms need engineering sign-off. |
| Floor loading | Units weigh 50–800 kg. Confirm structural floor load — typically ≥5 kN/m² needed for large cabinets. |
| Fire suppression | For units over 20 kWh indoors, consult the venue's fire officer. Some require a dry-powder or CO₂ extinguisher within 3m. |
| Egress | Never block fire exits. Cable runs must not create trip hazards across emergency routes. |
| IP rating | IP44 minimum for damp indoor locations. IP54+ for marquees in wet UK weather. |
| Insurance | Confirm your public liability policy covers hired electrical equipment. Some exclude battery storage above a set kWh threshold. |
How the unit reaches site — and what ongoing support is provided — varies considerably between suppliers. This matters most for multi-day events and remote locations.
| Model | How it works | Best for | Extra cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop & collect | Unit delivered charged, collected after event. No on-site support. | Simple 1-day events, predictable loads | Delivery/collection charge only |
| Swap-out | Second charged unit swapped mid-event when first is depleted. | Events 10–24 hrs with no recharge option | £150–£400 per swap + standby logistics |
| Managed service | Technician stays on-site to monitor and manage loads. | High-value productions, critical systems | £250–£600/day per technician |
| Solar hybrid | Battery connected to temporary PV array for daytime recharging. | Multi-day festivals, extended construction | PV hire adds £200–£800/day |
| Mains overnight | Unit charges from mains at night; runs on battery during operating hours. | Multi-day pop-ups with overnight site access | Requires 32A or 64A supply nearby |
| Generator hybrid | Generator recharges during permitted hours; battery runs during noise-restricted periods. | Construction sites in residential areas | Generator hire additional; complex logistics |
Representative scenarios built from publicly available case study data and industry norms.
12 food traders (~1.5 kW avg each), small stage PA (2 kW), event lighting (1 kW). Total: ~20 kW over 10 hours = ~200 kWh. Two 100 kWh trailers. Diesel delivery to a pedestrianised zone was prohibited by council permit.
Catering (2 kW avg), sound (0.8 kW), lighting (1.5 kW), phone charging (0.5 kW). ~4.8 kW over 14 hours daily = ~67 kWh/day. One 80 kWh trailer recharged overnight from a 32A farmhouse supply. A generator would have been audible inside the marquee.
Lighting rig (12 kW avg), cameras (2 kW), catering (1.5 kW). ~15.5 kW over 12 hours = ~186 kWh. Generator prohibited by building management. Three 70 kWh units with on-site technician. Units required freight lift access and structural check.
Site cabin (2 kW), power tools (3 kW peak), security lighting (0.3 kW overnight). ~30 kWh/day. 40 kWh cabinet at £420/week, recharged from a temporary 32A supply. Eliminated fuel deliveries and all noise complaints from neighbouring properties.
Stage power (25 kW avg), FOH and bars (10 kW). Total 35 kW over 14 hours daily = ~490 kWh/day. Two 200 kWh trailers in tandem, recharged overnight via 100 kW mains supply in a 4-hour window. Diesel standby present — never used. Zero diesel consumption across 42 operating hours. Festival met its full carbon reporting commitment for the second stage.
Always verify units meet BSEN 62619 (stationary Li-ion safety), IEC 62477 (power electronics), and BS 7671:2018 (wiring regulations). Consult a qualified electrical engineer for installations over 50 kWh.
Prices are market estimates and may vary by region, supplier, and season. This guide does not constitute commercial advice. Always obtain written quotes before booking.
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