Pulaski parking facility implements Solar Array recharging system

In a bold move that heralds Tennessees advance in Green Technology firsts, a Pulaski firm has installed the states first parking area solar panel power generating and recharging system. The facility is best describes as a shaded carport with solar panels forming the roof. Its twenty kilowatt solar panel array can power four homes.

Pulaski has joined the states march towards Green Technology innovation with the launch of the states first solar panel recharging power station. Transforming a carport into a mini power plant, Richland Manufacturing, LLC, is lighting the way for the future of parking lots. Jim Greene, Richland president, said this project is an example of how American small business and manufacturing are growing in the new green economy.

The solar panel system is the product of Outpost Solar, LLC, which built the facility.  The carport-like structure has a capacity for twelve cars. Marking the future of parking lots, these facilities will allow property owners to maximize previously unutilized space and generate power and revenue.

You can park twelve cars under it, said Wilson Stevenson, president of Outpost Solar, LLC. The company plans to build two larger facilities for businesses in Pulaski and Knoxville. Those facilities will have capacity for thirty cars. The facilities are charging stations for electric vehicles and will generate electricity which will be sold to TVA.

The components are American-made in this project involving the state of Tennessee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pulaski Electric System and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The power generating charging system will only produce electricity at this time. These types of facilities will be in great demand  for the new generation of electric cars expected to come onto the market, namely the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt which are expected to be available in 2011. Currently, there is no car charging service in operation.

Charging station network is vital

A network of ready charging stations like this first one in Pulaski are important to the cars success, Stevenson said. They could also help reduce TVAs costly peak demand power production costs by providing electricity to offset an electric cars need during summer days when air conditioners are in high use and energy demands are critical. At times of highest demand, TVA resorts to more costly sources of electricity, which ultimately costs all ratepayers.