The limitations on energy storage and deployment systems that depend on renewable sources represent one of the major challenges to resolving our dependence on fossil fuels. This project focuses on designing and building of a battery recharging station powered by solar photovoltaic panels. These battery recharging stations may accommodate several uses. Due to both the demand for and the advancements in battery technology, the Grounds Services Turf Crew is making a dramatic shift from petroleum-based motorized systems to all-electric models for grounds maintenance. UCSC Grounds Services currently relies on lithium ion rechargeable batteries for many of their power tools but are interested in considering alternatives, especially if the battery charging station could be transported easily on a solar array trailer to work sites, reducing vehicle trips to the current charging location. In addition, various renewable energy microgrid sites in the area are under development (GreenWharf, Hartnell) and could benefit from energy storage to help smooth the transfer of load from source to repository.

Currently the project is in the design phase, with the coding and infrastructure being worked on. Courtesy of Mike Isaacson, the team has been provided with four solar panels (of which only three are needed) and an inverter, the most expensive componenets for the system. The team has a model of the supporting infrastructure and the motor array needed to provide two-axis solar tracking.