LEAP MORBUG
Demonstrate Mobile Renewable Backup Generation (MORBUG)
The Latino Equity Advocacy & Policy Institute, The LEAP Institute
Recipient
Huron, CA
Recipient Location
Senate District
27th
Assembly District
$569,118
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
In 2025, the LEAP MORBUG project completed full multi-season testing and performance validation for the Intelli-trailer, including community deployment of four units across three California climate zones. Testing confirmed the system’s reliability as a zero-emission alternative to diesel generators for emergency and everyday use. Field operations demonstrated consistent solar generation, battery performance, communications capability, and rapid deployment in rural and disadvantaged communities. The project also expanded community engagement and workforce training, with local residents participating in fabrication, installation, and field deployment activities that strengthened regional clean-energy job pathways. All project deliverables have been completed and the final report is under review by CEC.
The Issue
In recent years, California has been plagued by severe wildfires and utilities have increasingly relied on public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events to manage risk in the face of severe weather and climate-driven wildfire risk. PSPS and other outages threaten the health and safety of communities and existing solutions like diesel backup generators create harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. There are limited commercial offerings of renewable backup power systems, particularly those designed for and with California disadvantaged communities.
Project Innovation
The core innovation of this project is the design and development of four rapidly deployable mobile, renewable backup generators that combine 1) 2.6 kW of solar photovoltaic canopies, 2) portable power stations that include 6 to 12 kWh of battery storage, six 110 V outlets, and one 220 V outlet, and 3) control, monitoring, and data logging systems. The project implemented an iterative, community based design approach that integrated user feedback and provided career development pathways for residents of local disadvantaged communities.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
This project demonstrated a clean, mobile alternative to diesel generators that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise in communities that frequently experience outages and extreme heat. The Intelli-trailer units improve resilience by supplying backup power for communications, refrigeration, lighting, and medical devices during PSPS and other emergencies. Field deployments demonstrated benefits for farmworkers and rural residents through shaded rest areas, cooling, and access to Wi-Fi and device charging. The project also strengthened community capacity by training local residents in solar installation, fabrication, and portable energy systems. By validating a modular, towable solar-plus-battery platform, the project supports new applications across agriculture, public safety, construction, events, and remote operations. The project contributes to California’s clean energy and climate goals by advancing distributed, zero-emission resilience solutions.
Environmental Sustainability
Each Intelli-trailer avoids an estimated 9,700 lbs. of CO₂, 10.5 lbs. of NOx, 0.24 lbs. of SOx, and approximately 380 gallons of water use per unit per year, compared to an equivalent-capacity gasoline generator. These reductions improve local air quality, reduce health risks, and support California's environmental justice and climate goals.
Reliability
Intelli-trailer units add distributed renewable capacity that can mitigate the impacts of power disruptions and improve energy resilience for communities and critical operations.
Safety
Intelli-trailers provide access to electricity during outages in a controlled, low-risk manner without the hazards associated with fuel storage, combustion emissions, or carbon monoxide exposure. The renewable design reduces fire risk and supports safe operation for residents, emergency responders, and workers during outages and disaster conditions.
Consumer Appeal
Unlike diesel or gasoline generators, the Intelli-trailer produces no exhaust fumes, vibration, or engine noise, making them easy to use near homes, schools, clinics, farms, and at community events. Their clean generation, integrated shade canopy, lighting, and communications capabilities create a more comfortable and user-friendly experience for residents, workers, and emergency personnel.
Affordability
Over the life of the units, the Intelli-trailer has lower operating expenses by eliminating fuel purchases and minimizing maintenance requirements associated with combustion engines. With no oil changes, fuel transport, or engine repairs required, the total cost of ownership is lower than fossil-fueled generators, particularly for long-duration outages and recurring field deployments.
Economic Development
The project supports local economic development by creating hands-on training opportunities in solar installation, electrical systems, fabrication, and portable power deployment. These activities build technical skills and open pathways to employment in California’s growing clean-energy economy, while also creating potential markets for locally manufactured mobile renewable power systems.
Key Project Members
Rey León
T J deCastro-Cox
Eric Ramirez
Match Partners
The Latino Equity Advocacy &
Policy Institute, The LEAP Institute
