A not-for-profit company is behind new technology which could revolutionise outdoor music festivals.

Brighton-based Firefly has developed the Orion solar powered generator - the first of its kind - which can power an entire events stage without contributing to climate change.

It uses a PA system and LED lighting to produce all the sound and fury of a normal music festival but with zero emissions.

Orion has cost £75,000 to develop over the past two years.

Although it is powered by the sun, a battery back-up system means it will keep working even during the greyest of British summers.

The men behind Firefly, based in St George's Place, are former theatre producer Andy Mead and Paul Brain who is, appropriately enough, the brains behind the technology.

Mr Brain has a background in electrical wholesale and originally built a biodiesel generator. However, this proved inefficient, was noisy and produced excessive fumes.

He said: "Someone suggested solar power, so we had a look to see if there was anything out there. We were surprised to find out there wasn't."

Mr Mead added: "Everyone realises these days music festivals should be green and sustainable."

Mr Brain spent six months researching the technology and speaking to solar panel installers until he came up with a system which worked.

Firefly tested the generator at last year's Loop festival in Brighton. Since then they have been inundated with interest and have won a National Outdoor Events Association Green Award.

Orion will feature initially at smaller British festivals throughout the summer such as the Lovebox Weekender in London and Strawberry Fair in Cambridge.

Mr Mead said: "We are hoping to have a stage at Glastonbury but we want to develop the technology and prove ourselves in the marketplace first."

Firefly admits the technology is reliant on the weather but before events the team makes careful calculations of how much electricity will be needed to ensure the generator is primed with enough power.

Mr Mead said: "We can offer a guarantee Orion will not run out of power before an event is finished."

Firefly is proud of its status as a community interest company and all profits are reinvested into research and development.

This allows the firm to help out with small, volunteer-run festivals and events for little or no charge.

Mr Mead said: "When we first came up with the idea we didn't want to make loads of money."

For more information, go to www.fireflysolar.co.uk