The importance of a proper cup of tea on a film or TV set cannot be overstated. For many Brits, it’s the unofficial fuel that keeps cast and crew moving, offering a much-needed moment of respite during demanding shoots. Traditionally, powering essential items like a tea urn on location has meant relying on petrol or diesel generators or hunting for mains power—neither of which is ideal in today’s environmentally conscious world. The need for cleaner, quieter alternatives has driven innovation in portable power solutions, and the NXTGENbps 5 kW Goat battery recently faced an unusual but telling challenge: the tea test.
The experiment used a 16-litre Swan urn equipped with a thermostat-controlled simmer setting and rated at 2200W. With an ambient room temperature of 15°C and the Goat battery charged to 98% capacity, the urn was filled to maximum with cold water. The objective was to see how well the battery could handle this quintessentially British task while maintaining sustainable, silent operation—something rarely associated with high-power electrical appliances.
Bringing the urn to a rolling boil took 45 minutes, during which steam steadily rose, signaling success. At this point, the battery level had only dropped to 67%, a strong result given the power-hungry nature of boiling water. Following the urn’s instructions, the thermostat was dialed down to setting 3, designed to maintain a simmering temperature efficiently. Remarkably, the battery held steady at 67%, allowing for continuous tea-making without interruption—no small feat in a power-intensive environment.
As the cups flowed and the urn neared empty, it was refilled with cold water for a second round. This time, reaching a boil took only 30 minutes—a significant reduction from the first boil. The Goat battery’s charge level decreased to 46%, with peak power draw measured at 1890W, slightly under the urn’s rated maximum of 2200W. This performance was a clear indicator of the battery’s ability to adapt to varying loads while optimizing energy consumption.
The practical implications were immediately evident. A fully charged Goat battery can power a tea urn for approximately four hours while using only half its capacity. Incorporating solar panels into the setup further enhances its capabilities: one solar panel extends usage by 30 minutes, while two panels add a full hour. For productions operating in remote or off-grid locations, this provides a game-changing alternative to noisy, fume-spewing generators that are traditionally used to power high-wattage equipment.
This test wasn’t just about boiling water—it was a demonstration of how renewable power can seamlessly integrate into the demanding environment of film and television production. The Goat battery’s silent, emission-free operation eliminates the need for bulky, polluting generators, transforming the way essential on-set gear is powered. For crews working in sound-sensitive or environmentally protected areas, this solution opens new possibilities that were previously off-limits due to noise and emissions concerns.
Beyond practicality, there’s also the consideration of environmental responsibility. As sustainability becomes an industry-wide priority, production companies are increasingly expected to adopt greener methods without compromising efficiency. The NXTGENbps 5 kW Goat battery meets that challenge head-on, offering a scalable, eco-friendly power source that can handle demanding loads while keeping carbon footprints minimal.
Moreover, the implications extend well beyond tea urns. If the Goat battery can power a high-wattage device like a large-capacity urn for hours on end, it’s easy to see how it could handle other mission-critical devices such as lighting rigs, camera setups, or sound equipment. Its rugged design and modular expandability make it adaptable to a wide range of on-set power needs, from small indie shoots to large-scale productions.
The broader message is clear: the future of on-set power is sustainable. As technology evolves, environmentally conscious choices no longer mean sacrificing reliability or performance. The NXTGENbps 5 kW Goat battery proved that even the most basic comfort—like a steady supply of tea—can be provided without compromise. This isn’t just about power—it’s about redefining what’s possible when sustainability meets practicality on set. The days of loud, fume-filled generators dominating remote production sites may finally be coming to an end, ushering in a cleaner, quieter, and far more sustainable era in media production.
