Intelli-Trailers as Mobile Renewable Backup Generators

The California Energy Commission funded the Latino Equity, Advocacy, & Policy Institute (LEAP) to design, develop, field test, and deploy in communities a mobile renewable backup generation system. Branded as the LEAP “Intelli-trailer,” the product is a canopied solar‑plus‑battery trailer designed to provide shelter and clean, reliable, zero‑emission backup power in areas affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs, wildfires, grid outages, and rural energy insecurity. The project conducted multi‑season field testing in three climate zones, assessed operational performance, collected real‑world user data, delivered workforce training, and demonstrated tangible energy‑equity benefits for disadvantaged communities. Key findings confirm that the Intelli-trailer can replace small diesel generators for a broad range of emergency and non‑emergency applications, while reducing operating costs, emissions, noise, and safety risks.