REQUESTS DUE ON APRIL 17, 2026
STOP AND READ!
Diesel and solar generated light towers definitely have a useful place in BRC. They are also a type of equipment that comes at a high cost and presents many logistical challenges. Before requesting the use of a light tower, carefully consider the following:
Has the need to utilize high intensity lighting in a given area been properly verified?
Is there an alternative way to light this area?
(light fixtures mounted to a pole or attached to a container, or patio lighting connected to an existing generator, may be a good alternative. Small solar powered landscape and other LED lighting may also adequately serve the need)
Can a light tower be aimed in a manner that eliminates the need for multiple lighting units in a given area?
Is the use of the light tower occasional or continuous? Can a light tower be shared with other users in times when it is not needed in your area?
PROCEED
To make light tower requests, follow the link below to access the Business Services dashboard. Once logged in you’ll be able to make new requests, review and change existing requests, and confirm whether a request has been approved.
To ensure your requests move through the Business Services dashboard without a hitch, here is a quick breakdown of how to handle your submissions:
You can bundle multiple units into one entry only if they share the exact same profile:
Power Source: All units must be identical (e.g., all Solar or all Diesel).
Location: They must be stationed within the same operational area.
Timeline: They must have the same start dates and total duration.
If any of the variables above change—for example, if you need three diesel towers for Zone A and two solar towers for Zone B—you must submit separate requests.
Pro-Tip: Don’t start from scratch every time. Use the "Duplicate" button on an existing request to carry over the bulk of the info, then just tweak the differing details (like the date or power type) before hitting submit.
CONSIDER
Once on site, take time to reassess the use of light towers in operational areas and reconsider whether alternative solutions may be adequate in the future. Then share any ideas for future innovation that may reduce our reliance on this costly form of equipment by email to the Director Of Public Works at chaos@burningman.org.
Contact business.services@burningman.org with any questions
FAQ
What is the difference between a solar light tower and a diesel light tower?
Both are mobile units with (4) high powered lights atop a 25 foot mast. The primary difference is that power for the lighting is provided exclusively by either a diesel combustion engine or by solar panels.
Which type of light is better, solar or diesel?
This will depend on your usage and other primary considerations. Some differences to consider include:
Solar lighting does not require a regular supply of diesel or other fuel; power comes from the sun. The panels do however need to be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal performance. Run time before recharging is about 10-12 hours depending on the brightness settings.
Diesel lighting tends to be slightly brighter and will run contiuously around the clock when sufficiently fueled, regardless of weather conditions.
Solar lighting may be more reliable in times when diesel fuel is unavalable due to conditions that make fuel delivery impractical.
Diesel powered lighting has a smaller footprint and is much easier to set up and retrtact for transporting.
Solar lighting units have additional controls that allow for customization of lighting functionality (ie. - brightness control, timer options, daily scheduling); Diesel units have some of this functionality, but it is more limited.
Solar lighting may be advantageous in isolated areas where refueling is diificult due to distance or access.
What is the difference in cost between solar and diesel options?
This is not an easy calculation. Both are costly with the diesel units being about 25% less in overall costs. Solar lights are more expensive in terms of rental and trucking, but have little operational cost once on site. Rental and trucking of Diesel units is less expensive, but they require constant fueling and maintenance on site which results in high operating costs.
I care deeply about achieving BMP's sustainability goals. Which type of lighting is more environmentally conscious?
The true answer is neither; the most environmentally conscious approach is to find a different solution for lighting the area that uses existing power resources or off-grid technology that has a lower impact. If you must use a light tower, solar and diesel are comparable from a sustainability standpoint. Solar lights reduce our reliance on diesel fuel which must be trucked to the site, but the units come from further away and fewer units will fit on one delivery truck. Twice as many diesel units will fit on a delivery truck and the supplier is local in the Reno area, so less fuel is used in getting them to the site. They do require liquid fuel to operate, but we are continuing to expand our use of renewable diesel in place of fossil fuel for event operations which reduces the impact of their use.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Business Services Dashboard Step by Step Instructions