Built with Purpose. Backed by Data.
96% solar. Around 12 hours of generator runtime in 61 days. And the potential to save more than $215,000 over five years.
At Hardwear, we know what goes into our vans. And thanks to the technology built into them, we can see exactly how they perform once they're out working in the field.
Every Hardwear van is equipped with technology that provides real-time monitoring and reporting across its key power systems, including solar generation, battery performance and generator usage.
This gives us access to actual operating data - not just projected performance figures - and allows us to measure how the complete power system performs under real working conditions.
Over August and September 2026, we examined the operating data from Hardwear van HW26012C across a 61-day period.
The results demonstrate what a properly integrated solar, battery and generator system can achieve.
96% Solar. Just 12 Hours of Generator Runtime.
Across the 61-day monitoring period, the van recorded:
96% solar contribution (reported system figure)
Approximately 12 hours of generator runtime
Generator operation on just 5 of 61 days
8 individual generator runs, supplying a combined 20.8 kWh
Each generator run lasted approximately 1-2 hours, with the majority occurring during early morning periods.
The generator remained available throughout the monitoring period, providing backup power when the system required it.
The result was significantly reduced generator operation, with solar generation and battery storage supporting the van's day-to-day power requirements.
Solar, Battery and Generator. One Complete System.
Hardwear vans are built around an integrated power system designed for reliable operation in demanding environments.
Our standard system combines rooftop solar generation, 48V lithium battery storage and generator backup.
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, while the battery system stores energy for use when solar production is reduced or unavailable.
The generator provides an additional source of power when required.
Rather than relying on a generator as the primary power source, the system is designed to make the most of available solar energy and stored battery power.
And with onboard monitoring, we can see when each component is operating, how much energy is being generated and when generator backup is required.
Up to 14,016 Litres Less Diesel Per Year.
Reduced generator runtime has a direct impact on fuel consumption.
Using the recorded operating pattern from HW26012C, we calculated the potential reduction in diesel consumption compared with continuous generator operation on a 24/7 site.
The estimated difference is:
38.4 litres per day.
14,016 litres per year, per van.
That's a substantial reduction in potential diesel consumption, while retaining generator backup when required.
Beyond the fuel itself, fewer generator hours also mean reduced servicing requirements and less time spent operating and maintaining the generator.
What Smarter Power Can Save.
The financial impact of reduced generator operation is equally significant.
Using diesel at $2.62 per litre and an allowance of $200 for generator servicing every 250 operating hours, the recorded operating pattern indicates potential fuel and servicing savings of:
| Period | Estimated savings |
|---|---|
| Per day | Up to $119.79 |
| Per month | Up to $3,643 |
| Per year | Up to $43,722 |
| Over five years | Up to $218,610 |
These figures represent an indicative comparison with continuous generator operation. Annual and five-year projections extrapolate the observed operating pattern and are not guaranteed savings.
For businesses operating multiple onsite vans, the potential reduction in ongoing fuel and servicing expenditure becomes an important consideration in long-term fleet management.
We Build Them. We Monitor Them. We Share the Data.
For us, transparency is important.
We believe customers investing in serious equipment should understand more than just the layout, specifications and inclusions of their van.
They should also understand how it performs, how its systems work together and what that performance means for ongoing operating costs.
That's why we're proud to share actual operating data from Hardwear vans working in the field.
It allows us to demonstrate what our engineering delivers, identify opportunities for improvement and give customers a clearer understanding of the equipment they're investing in.
Every Hardwear van is manufactured in Australia, with its power systems, fit-out and equipment designed to support real-world site requirements.
We don't just build vans to work on site. We build them to work smarter, use less fuel and deliver measurable long-term value.
Built with purpose. Backed by data.
Performance and savings disclaimer: Operating observations are based on data from Hardwear van HW26012C between 1 August and 30 September 2026. Fuel and servicing reductions are estimates compared with continuous 24/7 generator operation, using diesel at $2.62/L and servicing at $200 per 250 generator hours. Annual and five-year figures extrapolate the observed operating pattern. Actual results will vary depending on power demand, site conditions, weather, operating hours, fuel costs and van configuration.
