Greentech Lead U.S: Kyocera Solar, a supplier of reliable
solar modules and renewable energy solutions, announced today that its
photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are powering the new 90-kilowatt canopy that
charges electric vehicles (EVs) at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
The Solar-to-EV project, in partnership
with Smart City San Diego, is run by San Diego Gas & Electric
(SDG&E) and is a part of the Zoo’s commitment to environmental
sustainability. All Kyocera solar panels used in this project were manufactured
in the U.S.A. at the company’s San Diego facility.
Kyocera solar panels harness the sun’s energy to charge
EVs in the Zoo’s parking lot and provide renewable energy to the electrical
grid, while its high-tech battery system stores solar power for future use.
Ten solar canopies, designed and installed by
Vista-based Independent Energy Solutions (IES), produce 90 kilowatts
(kW) of peak generating capacity — enough to power 59 homes — as well as five
EV charging stations, including one in a nearby ADA-accessible parking space.
Using new lithium-polymer battery technology, its 100-kW
energy storage system is charged by the solar canopies to offset demand on the
electrical grid and recharge EVs after sunset. When the battery is full,
excess energy generated from sunlight is put into the grid to improve
reliability and benefit the surrounding community. The solar canopies also
provide shade to approximately 50 cars in the Zoo’s southeast parking area.
Smart City San Diego is a collaboration of local
companies, government and universities to drive projects that improve the
region’s energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and showcase San
Diego as a clean energy leader.
The clean energy produced by the Solar-to-EV project is
equivalent to removing 189,216 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
each year, or the same as planting 2,788 trees annually. For additional
comparison, the greenhouse gas emissions savings from the electricity produced
is equivalent to removing 21 cars from the road. Furthermore, PEVs driven
on electricity produce zero tailpipe emissions and no emissions overall when
the electricity is directly from solar power.