Paired Power and Santa Clara University (SCU) have partnered to provide direct clean energy to the University’s maintenance fleet and other electric vehicles.
In October, the university announced that Paired Power, a leading American-made solar and microgrid electric vehicle charger manufacturer, 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, SCU’s assistant vice president 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.”
While Paired Power’s PairTree and PairFleet products are widely used by cities and public utilities, SCU is one of the first area universities to install them to power a fleet.
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.
The installation marks the latest in a series of initiatives outlined in SCU’s sustainability strategic plan Leading Through Laudato Si’, which maps the way for Santa Clara University to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world.
The university’s leadership in clean energy solutions, combined with initiatives in academic, campus and community engagement, and resource management, advances its mission to prepare students to create a positive environmental, social, and economic impact in Silicon Valley and beyond.
“We are so grateful to SCU alumni Greenie and Donald Van Buren, who are big advocates for SCU and climate action,” said Lindsey Kalkbrenner, SCU’s sustainability director.
The Van Burens brought SCU’s attention to this technology and have generously given their time, leadership, and transformative gifts to launch this project.
“Working with alumni and local businesses to accelerate our progress on sustainability solutions is a beautiful way to directly enact SCU’s Impact 2030 strategic plan through our foundational commitment to position Santa Clara University as a climate-positive university,” Kalkbrenner added.
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