North America's Largest Commercial Solar-powered EV Charging Stations

Baka Communications, Inc. has collaborated with Eaton Corporation to power its electric vehicle (EV) fleet with one of the largest commercial solar charging stations in North America. Baka, which celebrated the installation of the eight-car public access station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at its headquarters in Toronto, has converted 60 percent of its fleet to Chevrolet Volt, EVs with extended range. The solar charging car port system was developed by renewz sustainable solutions inc. and combines equipment from Eaton Corporation and Giulio Barbieri S.p.A. of Italy.

“Baka is committed to sustainability and green technology, and is proud to lead by example with the largest array of solar-powered charging stations in Canada,” said John Marion, president, Baka. “We are now able to power our vehicles efficiently and sustainably and we look forward to taking our green initiatives to the next level.”

The isola™ 20 kilowatt (kW) solar carport project was managed and developed by renewz® and features solar and EV charging solutions from Eaton Corporation. The station includes a combination of Eaton’s EV charging stations as well as a unique Eaton solution that enables the complete solar-power distribution system to be integrated into one structure. The modular structure also includes Heliene® Ontario-made solar panels, high-tech LED lighting and security equipment. It is designed to be 100-percent waterproof and fully wind, snow and seismic code compliant.    

“The Chevrolet Volt deploys transformative vehicle technologies that are redefining automotive transportation. Companies like Baka will be able to potentially eliminate gasoline from their employees’ daily vehicle usage while having the flexibility to go further, something no other electrified vehicle can provide,” said Neil Macdonald, vice-president, GM Canada.

This innovative solar powered EV charging station is intended to generate enough clean, renewable energy to recharge Baka’s Volt fleet for 25 years. This will reduce Baka’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 460 tons and permit more than 1.5 million kilometres of clean driving.

“This project addresses one of our era’s greatest challenges – delivering power to help business grow, but doing so in a more efficient and sustainable manner,” said Rob Farrell, director of Marketing, Canadian Operations, Eaton Corporation’s Electrical Sector. “The collaborative solution Baka is implementing will not only help control costs and reduce its carbon footprint, but will serve as a green business model for other companies.”

Baka Communications, Inc.
www.baka.ca

renewz sustainable solutions inc.
www.renewz.com