Meet PairTree – a solar-powered canopy that charges EVs off-grid – that’s made by US-based solar charging infrastructure manufacturer Paired Power.
PairTree, which started to roll out commercially late last year, is quick and easy to set up – it takes only about four hours – and its ballasted steel foundation fits right into a regular parking space. What sets it apart is its use of bifacial solar panels. These 4.6 kW units increase energy yield by up to 15% compared to traditional panels. This means that in practice, a PairTree unit’s performance rivals that of a 5.3 kW solar array.
PairTree features a UL 9450-listed lithium iron phosphate battery energy storage system, offering a spectrum of daily ranges from 75 to 230 miles, depending on the capacity chosen. It can support either one or two Level 2 EV chargers.
The system works in temperatures ranging from -20F to 120F and is built to withstand winds up to 130 mph.
PairTree comes with the “Paired Powered” app so users can manage charging from their phone. Developed with EvGateway, the secure app also provides access to online support. Updates and diagnostics are conducted remotely on the EV chargers and solar.
As for the cost, Campbell, California-based Paired Power says PairTree’s price ranges from $28,000 to $78,000, depending on the battery size and how many chargers you need. Installation might add up to $5,000 more. But, thanks to a tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act, buyers could get back 40% of their expenses.
Top comment by papadoudi
Love the concept! Obviously the primary use case is off-grid charging, but some rough and naive maths suggest that maybe this could still be an economically viable charging solution in areas that do have access to the grid, as long as there's enough sun.
Let's see: At the very best this thing would produce $6 worth of electricity per day (assuming an average daily production of 30kWh, and a value of $0.20 per kWh, yes this is very optimistic). So the basic configuration ($28,000 + $5000 installation) would pay for itself in about 15 years. Even if it takes 20 or 25 years (which is probably more realistic), it's not that bad.
The good news is that solar and battery technology is progressing at a speed never seen before, and the costs are crashing. So more, better, cheaper solutions like this might just be around the corner.
Edit: As someone noticed in the comment section already, this article was already published on Sep 13, 2022: https://electrek.co/2022/09/13/modular-solar-ev-charger/
And the day after it was published, the following update was added at the bottom of the article:
"September 14 update: PairTree’s starting price is $26,900, and that covers the canopy and solar only (no charging or other electronics). Fully configured units will sell for mid-$60k depending on options."
If fully configured means with battery and charger included, then this thing is useless unless you spend $60k+ on it.
Forget it!
In September 2023, Paired Power supplied a PairTree to be used by a Monarch electric tractor at California’s Kaerskov Vineyard and Carr Winery.
What do you think of the “pop-up solar canopy,” as Paired Power calls it? Know anyone who has one? Let us know in the comments below.
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