Paired Power and Santa Clara University have partnered to provide direct clean energy for the first time to the university’s fleet of maintenance and other electric vehicles.
Paired Power installed two PairTree solar electric vehicle (EV) chargers at Santa Clara University’s facilities yard. As opposed to typical EV chargers that are powered by the electric utility grid, these derive their power entirely from clean solar energy. The installations mark a significant step toward SCU’s ambitious goals to reduce carbon pollution beyond traditional measures such as behavior change campaigns in residence halls and lighting upgrades in campus buildings.
“This installation is an important facet of our climate action work,” said Sean Collins, Santa Clara University’s assistant VP for university operations. “By integrating Paired Power’s solar EV chargers into our operations, we’re not only generating renewable energy to charge our fleet, we are also modeling for our students how an organization can take responsibility for reducing carbon pollution.”
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University has long been a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship. The installation of Paired Power’s PairTree solar EV chargers aligns with SCU’s energy goals to drive down energy use through conservation and efficiency, install a more self-sufficient energy system; decarbonize purchased energy and improve sustainable transportation options.
The PairTree chargers are a fully-integrated solar canopy system that combine solar energy with available grid power and battery storage to charge electric vehicles. With wind ratings of up to 130 mph and its low-maintenance design, PairTrees are built for durability in various environments such as extreme or unpredictable weather conditions. The system can provide reliable EV charging and energy storage day or night, making it an ideal solution for SCU’s fleet of electric maintenance vehicles and equipment.
“We’re excited to partner with Santa Clara University in their journey toward becoming a model of energy independence,” said Paired Power CEO Tom McCalmont, who formerly served on SCU’s Engineering Advisory Board. “Our PairTree chargers offer a resilient solution that harnesses the power of the sun while reducing the university’s reliance on the fossil fuel-powered grid, while providing a perfect model of how forward-thinking institutions can take advantage of solar technology to achieve their sustainability goals that matter to both students and stakeholders.”
The chargers featured quick one-day installation, excavation-free setup and unique bifacial panel design that captures both direct and reflected light from the sun and the pavement to maximize energy yield.
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