The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has selected Envision Solar's Solar Tree design for its first on-site renewable recharge station for electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Located at NREL's South Table Mountain site in Golden, Colorado, the Solar Tree will demonstrate the use of solar energy for recharging EV and PHEVs.
Designed after the award-winning Solar Tree to meet NREL's specifications, the structure features 20 photovoltaic panels atop a single post, grid-tied parking canopy. The PV canopy, tilted at a 30-degree angle, will produce an estimated 10 kilowatt hours while providing two shaded parking spaces. The design incorporates one 120-volt outlet per parking space and supports 20 photovoltaic KC200GT Kyocera Solar modules. The modular system will be evaluated for expansion.
"Envision's Solar Tree design provides NREL with key equipment to explore the linkage between renewable energy resources and transportation energy demands," said NREL Senior Engineer Tony Markel, who is leading the project. "Collecting energy from the sun and using it as a fuel for EVs and PHEVs helps us address our dependence on imported petroleum."
Inspired by nature, Envision's Solar Grove and Solar Tree designs integrate durable and attractive photovoltaic systems into commercial parking structures. In early 2008, Envision Solar plans to branch into the residential market with kit-built, solar systems in the same high-design spirit of the Solar Tree.
