Resilience Scanner

Off-Grid Solar EV Charging Stations with Emergency Power Backup

Solution Overview

Pittsburgh deployed five portable, solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations manufactured by Envision Solar that operate independently from the electrical grid.[2][3][4] These EV ARC™ units were acquired for $420,000, with a state grant funding half of the purchase, to support the city's transition to a 100 percent fossil-fuel-free municipal fleet by 2030.[8][1][3] The implementation serves dual purposes: providing emissions-free charging infrastructure for the city's growing electric vehicle fleet while simultaneously creating emergency power resources that enhance community resilience during grid failures and disasters.[4][2][6]

Technical Components

The EV ARC™ charging stations are equipped with 4.3 kW solar arrays and battery packs ranging from 24 to 40 kWh depending on the version.[11] Each unit generates enough clean solar electricity to power up to 225 miles of electric vehicle driving per day, with energy stored in onboard battery systems for charging day or night and to provide emergency power during grid failure.[2][4][11] The system's solar electrical generation is enhanced by EnvisionTrak™, a patented solar tracking system that causes the array to follow the sun throughout the day, generating up to 25 percent more electricity than a fixed array.[2][4][11] The units fit inside a parking space without reducing available parking and provide Level I, Level II, and DC Fast Charging capabilities.[1][11] Each station is equipped with emergency power (E-power) panels that allow first responders and other vital personnel to use the units as emergency generators during disasters or grid outages.[1][3] The upgraded EV ARC 2020 design features a re-engineered S-curved column with electronic components and energy storage elevated to the underside of the sun-tracking solar canopy, making the station flood-proof to 9.5 feet.[11]

Implementation Details

The City of Pittsburgh deployed the five EV ARC™ units at the Second Avenue Parking Plaza to provide solar-powered charging for the city's fleet of electric vehicles.[3] The deployment required no trenching, foundations, or installation work of any kind, with setup taking only a few minutes, and the systems can be moved to a different location if the need arises.[2][4][11] Pittsburgh had 10 electric vehicles in its fleet at the time of implementation and intended to increase that number going forward as part of its commitment to transition to 100 percent renewable energy including wind and solar by 2035.[4] The city also installed a DC Fast Charger at a parking area in the East Liberty location.[5] Officials planned to place the charging units in sites throughout the city and make them available for public use, though specific locations had not yet been decided.[9] The first charging stations were designed to charge the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections fleet at night and then be open to the public during the day.[7] The California-based manufacturer Envision Solar had already deployed EV ARC units in more than 100 U.S. municipalities prior to the Pittsburgh implementation.[11]

Benefits and Impacts

Fleet vehicles charging from the EV ARC™ units are 100 percent emissions-free, while 70 percent of the power used by grid-connected EV chargers is carbon fuel based.[1] The stations can be deployed throughout the city in emergency situations, blackouts, or interruptions in electricity supply, which improves the overall resiliency of Pittsburgh and its residents.[7] The units are immune to grid interruptions, allowing electric vehicles owned by the city to continue operations to serve the needs of city residents during power failures.[3][2] Police and first responders can plug in to use the charging stations as emergency generators during outages, ensuring continuity of critical services.[2] The implementation supports Pittsburgh's third generation climate action plan to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions through policies and projects within city limits.[2][1] The self-contained and portable nature of the units eliminates the need for trenching or grid connections, avoiding construction disruption and utility bills while providing permanent charging infrastructure.[2][11]

Climate Adaptation Relevance

The EV ARC™ units enhance Pittsburgh's climate resilience by providing emergency power resources that remain operational during grid failures caused by extreme weather events or other climate-related disruptions.[4][6] The flood-proof design to 9.5 feet addresses vulnerabilities to extreme precipitation and flooding events that can compromise traditional grid-connected infrastructure.[11] This approach supports neighborhood resilience goals by ensuring that critical transportation and emergency response capabilities remain functional during climate-related disasters and power interruptions.[6]

Business Analysis

The $420,000 acquisition of five EV ARC™ units was financed through a partnership model with a state grant covering half of the purchase cost, demonstrating how state-level policy support can enable municipal climate infrastructure investments.[8] The deployment model eliminates ongoing utility bills and avoids permitting, trenching, and construction costs associated with traditional grid-connected charging infrastructure.[11] The system's portability and rapid deployment capability provides operational flexibility, allowing the city to relocate units as fleet needs and emergency response requirements evolve without additional capital expenditure.[2][4] Envision Solar's established presence in more than 100 U.S. municipalities indicates a mature market for off-grid solar charging solutions, with proven technical reliability and municipal procurement pathways.[11] The integration of emergency power capabilities adds value beyond transportation electrification, creating a dual-use asset that supports both routine fleet operations and disaster response, potentially improving the financial justification for municipal investment in this technology.[2][6]

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