How the Yelland Hybrid Power System Cut Fuel Costs by 95%
For many businesses and remote sites, running a diesel generator around the clock has long been the only option for off-grid power. The downside is high running costs, heavy maintenance and significant carbon emissions. At Yelland, Callidus delivered a smarter alternative with a pre-built off-grid board that we designed, built, supplied and programmed in-house.
The Challenge: Costly, Inefficient Power
Before the upgrade, Yelland relied entirely on a diesel generator running continuously. This resulted in:
- More than 30,000 litres of fuel consumed each year
- Around 81 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually
- High maintenance requirements
The costs added up quickly. Running the generator all day every day was not only unsustainable but also expensive, particularly compared to harnessing renewable energy.
Avoiding the Cost and Delay of Grid Connection
Installing a new grid connection was considered, but with a potential wait time of up to two years and significant upfront costs, it was neither practical nor cost-effective. A hybrid off-grid solution provided an immediate and future-proof alternative.
The Callidus Solution: Prebuilt Hybrid System
To address the challenge, Callidus supplied a prebuilt board with a full Victron Energy hybrid power system.
This included:
- 2 × Victron MultiPlus-II 10kVA Inverter Chargers
- 40 kWh Lithium Battery Storage
- 70 × 400W Solar Panels (28kWp total)
- Integrated Hybrid Generator Control
By using reliable Victron Energy products the system was designed to maximise renewable energy, store excess solar power and only call on the generator when absolutely necessary.
The Results After 12 Months
Between December 2023 and December 2024, the hybrid solution transformed energy use at Yelland:
| Metric | Before Hybrid | After Hybrid | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generator Run-Time | 8,784 hrs | 404 hrs | 95% less |
| Fuel Usage | ~30,700 L | 1,417 L | 95% reduction |
| Annual Fuel Savings | £0 | £23,463 | £23,463 saved |
| CO₂ Emissions | 81 tonnes | 3.6 tonnes | 77 tonnes avoided |
Compared to the previous setup of running the generator all day, the annual fuel savings alone amount to over £23,000.
Benefits Beyond Cost Savings
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Immediate solution: No two-year wait for a grid connection
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Cost-effective: Avoided grid connection costs plus ongoing generator fuel savings
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Sustainability: 77 tonnes of CO₂ avoided each year
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Dependable power: 24/7 supply with automatic generator backup
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Lower maintenance: Dramatically reduced generator run-time extends its lifespan
A Future-Proof Approach to Off-Grid Power
The Yelland project highlights how Callidus prebuilt hybrid boards, built around trusted Victron Energy products, deliver clean, reliable and affordable off-grid energy.
By combining solar, battery storage and intelligent generator control, we provide systems that save money, reduce emissions and remove the uncertainty of grid connection delays.
If you need help designing a system or choosing components, feel free to get in touch as we design, supply and install all across the UK. Use the contact form below or give us a call on 01626563563
