Project Clearinghouse

Solar Picnic Tables

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

We are going to integrate solar charging by (Christophe Février ) stations into pre-existing picnic tables to provide students or faculty with the ability to charge their devices without having to relocate inside. This will encourage the increase of solar technology on campus with a focus on student education.

Jump to: Contact | Project Description | Funding Sources | Metrics for Success | Results
Project Categories: 
Energy & Climate
Awareness, Education & Engagement
Project Status: 
In Progress
Campus Organization: 
Carbon Fund
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
Formula Slug
Project Location: 
On campus

Digital Arts Research Center (DARC)


Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressContact Number
Derek Quiroz
dmquiroz@ucsc.edu
(714) 421-1263
Funding Sources: 
Carbon Fund

Project Description: 

Solar Picnic Tables is gear towards student use, as it is meant to replace the current picnic tables by Digital Arts Research Center (DARC) with better equipped workspaces as well as provide additional places to study at. Additionally, we are placing safety and security as top priorities in the design of the Solar Picnic Tables. All of the internal electronics will be secured to prevent public access or exposure; the internal electronics will also be completely weatherproofed to prevent damage; the outlets will have outdoor weatherproof covers; and the structures will be fitted with motion sensor, eco-friendly lights. So, these structures are meant to be around as long as the solar panels keep producing power. The idea for the project stems from devising a means to charge small devices at outdoor workstations, as well as charge small devices using a sustainable power source. All labor, including design, construction, and implementation is organized through the student organization Formula Slug, and, more specifically, our devoted solar team. We are planning to construct and implement our prototype/first design by the end of Spring Quarter, 2017.
Learn more about Formula Slug and our mission at https://www.formulaslug.com/solar/

Metrics for Success: 

The only quantifiable result that we can measure is how many students take advantage of the Solar Picnic Tables. We will be asking for student feedback to determine whether or not to continue construction of additional tables, but as students, we assume that the outcome will be generally positive.

Result Categories: 
Technology
Results: 

We hope to provide ongoing construction of additional tables over the next few years, but if our first Solar Picnic Table is met with negative feedback or we find that hardly any students are taking advantage of the table, then that would mark the project's completion. Otherwise, funding providing, we plan on building a total of five Solar Picnic Tables.

Resources
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