The 2.1 kW photovoltaic electric vehicle charging station in the city of Santa Monica, California

Abstract

This photovoltaic charging station for electric vehicles consists of a cantilevered steel canopy supporting the 2.1 kW amorphous silicon solar array. The configuration of this array, which is comprised of seven rows of six PV modules each at a fixed angle of 22.5/spl deg/ facing 40/spl deg/ west of south, has been optimized with the aid of computer simulations for the local climate because of restrictions in the placement and orientation of the entire facility. The facility is integrated with the utility grid through the Santa Monica City Hall building and covers seven parking spaces with an equal number of conductive AC charging ports. A didactic display on solar electricity and electric vehicles as well as a number of permanent monitoring devices comprises the educational element of the facility. The output of this station is sufficient to power on an annual basis four EVs at the present time and up to seven EVs of the more efficient future designs. The modular design of this solar EV charging facility intends to promote the concept of a residential or commercial refueling infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles.