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Towson U Pilots Solar Charging Stations

Maryland's Towson University is the first to pilot new outdoor solar charging technology from CarrierClass Green Infrastructure. The university will use the ConnecTable Solar Charging Station at various locations around campus, allowing students to plug in cell phones, iPads and other mobile devices outside.

"Our hope is to make it easy to charge a range of devices conveniently and energy-efficiently," said Steve Kolb, energy manager for the university, in a press release.

The stations are available in café, picnic and deck table models. Solar photovoltaic panels provide both shade and power. Multiple tables can be combined to form a micro grid and a backup power source during extended power outages.

Following the pilot, universities will have the option to purchase customized tables with their own graphics and colors.

Qualifying organizations may be eligible for low interest financing of the tables through the Sustainable Energy Fund. The tables qualify for the 30 percent investment tax credit offered to businesses that install solar. Universities can also use designated green funds to purchase tables.

For more information, visit the CarrierClass Green Infrastructure site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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