Frequently Asked Questions

What does Volta Energy do?

Volta Energy develops and rents out mobile 3-in-1 energy solutions that provide reliable, sustainable power at off-grid locations. Our Volta units combine solar panels, smart batteries, and a biofuel backup into a single system. We provide a complete Energy-as-a-Service solution: one all-inclusive price, with everything taken care of from delivery to pickup.

Where is Volta Energy located?

Volta Energy is based in Duiven in The Netherlands and operates in multiple countries in Europe, including Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom.

Does Volta Energy also sell energy solutions, or does it only offer rentals?

In The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark Volta Energy operates exclusively through a rental model based on Energy-as-a-Service. If you're interested in purchasing Volta's in other countries, please contact us.

Which sectors does Volta Energy serve?

Our primary target markets are construction and infrastructure, telecommunications, road construction, video surveillance and security, traffic control systems, and government projects. We serve business customers exclusively.

What is a Volta?

A Volta is a mobile 3-in-1 energy solution that combines solar panels, smart batteries, and a biofuel backup into a single system. During the day, the system generates energy via the solar panels, stores it in the battery, and continuously supplies power to the project. If the sun and the battery aren’t enough, the backup kicks in automatically.

What is the difference between a Volta and a standard hybrid generator?

A hybrid generator combines a diesel engine with a battery, but runs the engine regularly to charge the battery. A Volta adds solar panels as the primary energy source, significantly reducing the need for the backup to kick in. This results in much lower fuel consumption, significantly lower emissions, and a system that operates virtually silently.

What does 3-in-1 mean?

3-in-1 refers to the three technologies that work together in a single system: solar panels, batteries, and a biofuel backup generator or fuel cell.

What models does Volta Energy offer?

Volta Energy offers two series: the first generation Volta with HVO100 as a backup, and the Volta ZERO with a fuel cell as a backup. Within these series, models are available ranging from compact low-power (150 watts continuous) to large-scale (24 kW continuous). We provide recommendations based on your power requirements and project duration.

What is the difference between the first generation Volta and the Volta ZERO?

Both series are 3-in-1 energy solutions with solar panels and batteries as the primary source. The difference lies in the backup. The first generation Volta uses an HVO100 generator as a backup: powerful, proven, and ready to deploy quickly. The Volta ZERO uses a fuel cell: completely nitrogen oxides- and particulate-free and whisper-quiet. This makes the Volta ZERO the ideal choice for locations with the strictest emission requirements.

Does a Volta also work in cloudy weather or rain?

Yes. The amorphous solar panels in the Volta continue to generate power even in cloudy weather or rain. The battery provides a buffer, and the biofuel backup automatically kicks in when needed. The system delivers power 24/7, regardless of weather conditions.

Is a Volta also suitable for use at night?

Yes. Energy generated during the day is stored in the battery. At night, the battery supplies the power. If the battery runs low, the backup system automatically kicks in.

How quiet is a Volta?

Basically, a Volta is silent, because the system runs primarily on solar power and the battery, without a combustion engine. Noise is only produced when the backup is active. For the first generation Volta, this amounts to a maximum of 60 to 63 dB(A) at a distance of 7 meters, depending on the model. A conventional diesel generator typically produces 80 to 100 dB(A). The Volta ZERO is completely whisper-quiet even with the backup active.

How much CO₂ does a Volta save compared to a diesel generator?

That varies by model and project. The first generation Volta achieves, on average, more than 94% fewer CO₂ emissions compared to a conventional diesel generator. The Volta 2 ZERO is CO₂-compensated and the Volta 15 ZERO achieves a significant reduction in CO₂.

Does the Volta emit nitrogen oxides or particulate matter?

Thanks to the use of HVO100, the first generation Volta produces significantly lower nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions than a conventional diesel generator. The Volta ZERO, equipped with a fuel cell, is completely free of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

How does renting a Volta work?

You contact our team, we assess your power needs, and recommend the right model. Once you approve the quote, we deliver the Volta to your location, install everything, and have it ready for immediate use. We monitor the system remotely throughout the project. When the project is complete, we pick everything up.

What is Energy as a Service?

Energy as a Service is our rental model where you not only rent the Volta but also get complete peace of mind. Delivery, installation, fuel management, maintenance, and remote monitoring are all included in one all-inclusive price. No separate charges, no hidden costs.

What do I need to do myself if I rent a Volta?

Nothing. Our technicians deliver, install, and verify proper operation. We monitor the system remotely and ensure timely fuel refills. You don’t need any technical knowledge and don’t have to worry about it during the project.

What is included in the rental price?

The all-inclusive rental price covers delivery and transport to the location, installation and commissioning, fuel management and timely refueling, preventive and corrective maintenance, remote monitoring, and pickup at the end of the project.

Are there any additional costs on top of the rental price?

No. We work with a transparent all-inclusive price. No separate fuel bills or unexpected maintenance costs. What you see is what you pay.

How quickly can a Volta be delivered?

That depends on availability and location. Contact our team for current delivery times. In most cases, we can act quickly.

What is the minimum rental period?

The minimum hire period for a Volta is 1 calendar day.

What if the project runs over?

In that case, we’ll extend the rental period in consultation with you. We’ll coordinate this together so you never run out of power.

Do I need a grid connection for a Volta?

No. A Volta operates completely off-grid and does not rely on a fixed grid connection. The system is self-sufficient, powered by solar panels, batteries, and a biofuel backup.

How long does installation take?

Installation by our technicians usually takes less than an hour. After that, the system is immediately operational.

Do I need technical knowledge to use a Volta?

No. Our technicians install everything and provide a brief explanation of how it works. The system regulates itself.

How is the Volta monitored?

Volta Energy continuously monitors all systems remotely via its own monitoring platform. Consumption, generation, battery status, and system performance are visible in real time. Any anomalies are immediately flagged and handled by our team, without you having to do anything.

Who refuels the system?

We do. Fuel management is fully included in our Energy as a Service model. We track the fuel level via remote monitoring and ensure timely refueling. You never have to refuel or place an order yourself.

What if there’s a malfunction?

We monitor our Volta's remotely. If there’s an issue, we’ll often know about it before it affects you. Our technical support team resolves malfunctions as quickly as possible, either remotely or on-site.

Can a Volta be installed in hard-to-reach locations?

Yes. A Volta is portable and compact, and can be installed in virtually any location without the need for permanent infrastructure. Our technical department will handle the logistics.

What is HVO100?

HVO100 stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil: a 100% renewable, fossil-free fuel produced from waste streams such as cooking oil and vegetable oils. Compared to regular B7 diesel, HVO100 produces up to 85.6% fewer CO₂ emissions during combustion, significantly less nitrogen, and has no fossil origin.

What is a methanol fuel cell?

A methanol fuel cell electrochemically converts methanol into electricity, without combustion. That means no combustion noise, no nitrogen, no particulate matter, and higher efficiency than a combustion engine. When using green methanol, the system is CO₂-neutral.

Is a Volta suitable for projects with nitrogen restrictions?

Yes. The Volta Air series with a methanol fuel cell is completely nitrogen- and particulate-free, making it suitable for the most emission-conscious environments, including areas with active nitrogen restrictions or strict environmental zones.