Manufacturing a smarter energy future

The Solartainer Versatile is a solar hybrid power generator designed to provide reliable, low-emission off-grid energy.

Developed by Think Hire, the system combines solar panels, high-capacity battery storage, and a backup diesel generator to reduce fossil fuel usage and noise, particularly for infrastructure and construction sites.

Since September 2024, Tharsus has been manufacturing the Solartainer Versatile range, helping Think Hire meet growing demand and focus on core areas, including product innovation and fleet operations. This partnership has enabled a scalable, quality-assured production model that supports the continued commercial success of the product.

The Challenge

As the Solartainer Versatile gained traction, Think Hire faced challenges common to maturing technology products:

• Scaling production capacity without compromising product quality or delivery timelines.
• Maintaining focus on core competencies, such as R&D and fleet management.
• Managing a complex and bespoke supply chain, including a custom-built enclosure.

Meeting these demands required a manufacturing partner capable not only of delivering at volume but also of supporting continuous product improvement and operational resilience.

“We chose Tharsus as our partner because of their manufacturing capabilities and expertise in delivering quality at scale. Their end-to-end supply chain, internal facilities and multidisciplinary approach align perfectly with our vision of providing innovative, sustainable energy solutions. Tharsus’ track record in industrial design and manufacturing made them the ideal collaborator to help us outsource our production requirements and scale our internal operations efficiently.”

Neil Richardson, Think Hire Managing Director

The Solution – Scalable, high-quality manufacturing

Tharsus stepped in as the outsourced manufacturing partner to manage the end-to-end production of the Solartainer Versatile range, including Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large variants, across both single-phase and three-phase versions.

Our approach focused on three core areas:

1. Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA)
We worked closely with Think Hire to review and optimise the product design for efficient, repeatable manufacture.

• Assessed and refined the build process for scalability.
• Improved manufacturability of key components and assemblies.
• Preserved product integrity while reducing complexity.

2. Production engineering and quality control
A lean production line was implemented to deliver consistent output across batch sizes while embedding robust quality controls.

• Delivered a recent batch of XL Solartainer units.
• Active manufacture through Spring/Summer 2025.
• Integrated inspection and test processes to ensure reliability in the field.

3. Supply chain and logistics management
We took ownership of managing a complex supply chain built by Think Hire, ensuring continuity and quality.

• Onboarded and maintained specialist suppliers, including bespoke enclosure requirements.
• Established procurement systems to ensure on-time component availability.
• Ensured full traceability and risk mitigation throughout the build process.

The Results

For Think Hire

• Operational focus regained
  With manufacturing in expert hands, Think Hire has been able to redirect resources to the development of new technologies, such as the Power Cube, and expand its fleet-based business model.
• Scalable production
  With units already in the field, Tharsus is enabling the next phase of commercial scale through consistent, high-quality output.
• Strategic flexibility
  By outsourcing production, Think Hire can adapt to market demand without the burden of internal manufacturing.

For Tharsus

• Strengthened position in the electrification sector
  The Solartainer Versatile is a flagship product in Tharsus’s growing portfolio of sustainable energy solutions.
• Reinforced manufacturing credentials
  From complex supply chain management to full product builds, the partnership has showcased our ability to deliver at scale and to specification.
• Sustainability in action
  Manufacturing a product that directly reduces emissions aligns with our own environmental and social responsibility commitments.

Conclusion

The partnership between Think Hire and Tharsus is a clear demonstration of how outsourced manufacturing can drive growth, improve efficiency, and accelerate innovation.

By entrusting production of the Solartainer Versatile to Tharsus, Think Hire has strengthened its position as a leader in hybrid energy solutions, while Tharsus continues to demonstrate the power of dependable, scalable manufacturing.

You can count on us to manufacture your product to the highest standards, every time.