Rethink Rubbish Bus Solar Conversion

Firefly’s bespoke installation and build division has completed the conversion of East Sussex County Council’s Rethink Rubbish bus’ electrics to run on solar power. This is the first major step in the buses shift in focus from recycling to climate change.

The Rethink Rubbish Bus is a free, interactive, fun bus that visits schools and community events in East Sussex educating people on the best ways to recycle. It's packed full of information on how you can reduce your waste, how to recycle and compost.

Firefly’s technicians replaced the on board diesel generator with a battery storage system and built a mobile, floor mounted solar briefcase for solar power input. The briefcase features a digital meter which helps to highlight the direct link between sunlight and electricity and is an effective learning tool for users of the bus.

Our technicians evaluated every element of the electrical install and replaced all lighting fixtures with energy efficient alternatives, switching to heaters that have 60% less power consumption.

Daniel Spencer, technical consultant for the project says;

“It is great that we were able to deliver an interactive, educational tool for the council that will enable children to learn, in a practical and fun way, about the possibilities of solar energy”

The Rethink Rubbish bus will be out touring schools in the local area in the New Year.