Branson, Mo. — U-Haul International has opened its first propane station that operates off the grid, using stored solar energy to power the pump and utilizing propane as a backup source. The off-grid skid system stores solar energy within the generator that powers the station’s propane pump. If solar power is insufficient, the system can run on propane as a backup energy source.
Customers can refill propane tanks at the Branson location with pay-at-the-pump service. The station at U-Haul Moving & Storage of Branson has been serving customers since September.
“Utilizing this skid system allows U-Haul to offer customers a cost-effective service while supporting environmental sustainability,” says Kayra Holloway, U-Haul field relief manager who oversaw Branson store operations during the project. “These advancements also provide an added layer of protection for the community during emergencies, like severe weather events, by ensuring propane remains available even when electrical power is unavailable.”
The original plan called for a traditional permanent tank installation, but the necessary approvals proved challenging. Local U-Haul leadership opted for an off-grid design, which is an ecofriendly and economical solution for the store.
U-Haul, the leading U.S. retailer of propane since 1987, offers propane refill and tank exchange at more than 1,500 locations. For more information, visit www.uhaul.com/propane.
Founded in 1945, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers with more than 25,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul is also the third largest storage operator in North America with 1,147,300 rentable storage units and 100.3 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the top retailer of propane in the U.S. and the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry.
SOURCE: U-Haul