Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Two Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Unveiled in Raleigh

The City of Raleigh and Progress Energy Carolinas recently unveiled two solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations at 616 South Salisbury Street in Raleigh. The Level 2, or 240-volt, charging stations are connected to a solar photovoltaic (PV) array and battery system. When the sun shines, the PV array produces electricity and charges either a plugged-in vehicle or the on-site battery. The battery stores this solar energy to charge plug-in vehicles when the sun is not shining.

The City of Raleigh and Progress Energy Carolinas will use the two stations to charge their respective fleets of plug-in electric vehicles. Raleigh has installed 18 charging stations, nine for public use, and intends to install 15 additional public charging stations soon. Progress Energy plans to install 200 public and private charging stations through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Read more »