Dell prepares for plug-ins with solar-powered parking lot

[tinrobot]

Dell has just completed construction of a Solar Grove from Envision Solar that not only produces carbon-free energy for their corporate headquarters in Round Rock, Texas but can also provide power to parked plug-in vehicles. Connected to the eleven "trees" are two CleanCharge stations which utilize Coulomb Technologies ChargePoints to provide at least part of the answer to that frequent postulation, "Aren't electric cars just really burning coal?"

Capable of producing 131,000 kWh a year, the 110.62 kW array is composed of 516 individual solar panels that should shelter 56 cars from the sun. We can only imagine the positive impact if every large parking lot had similar capabilities. Envision is strategically partnered with Coulomb Technologies, battery maker Axion Power International and aluminum structure builder SAPA to produce the CleanCharge stations. Hit the jump for the official press release as well as a video explaining the concept and featuring the CEOs of the companies involved.



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Whenever anyone wants to plow over virgin land to create a solar power plant, I always think of all the parking lots and commercial rooftops throughout major cities that are also getting sunshine. This is a perfect example of using the space we've already paved over for maximum benefit.

[Skink]

1. In texas too.

Texas is wooing hightech firms with cheap land and low taxes. It's a strategy that works and is helping Texas turn blue.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. When I think about it.... I have to ask the question, why isn't there

a small windmill on every power pole that could bear one? I mean, it might be a stupid idea but maybe not. Not the pinwheel type, but perhaps one like Jaque Cousteau (sp) had on his ship.