Recently, “Street Charge,” a solar-powered charging station, made its debut at Fort Green Park.
Created by the Brooklyn design studio, Pensa, a provider of renewable and reliable solar power, Goal Zero, and popular New York City wireless provider, AT&T (News - Alert), Street Charge will be positioned in high foot traffic areas like parks, beaches and outdoor spaces in five boroughs.
The installation of 25, 12.5 foot steel poles with three petal-shaped solar panels fanning out on top is a model of innovation. With the ability to accommodate up to six devices and multiple wireless carriers (ports of the iPhone (News - Alert), Android, BlackBerry and USB variety) it is estimated to have cost anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000. It’s also powered by three 15-watt panels and a 168-watt/hour lithium ion battery pack to keep stations operating throughout the day and night.
AT&T identified the importance of mobile cell towers following SuperStorm Sandy when it provided diesel generators and cell towers on wheels to deserving neighborhoods. It also recognized the increasing consumption of data. Marissa Shorenstein, president of AT&T’s New York division spoke about AT&T’s support for Street Charge, “We view this as a commitment to being a part of the New York community as a corporate citizen but also as a way for New Yorkers to continue to engage with their technology as they continue to consume more and more data.”
Joe Atkin, President and CEO of Goal Zero was motivated by his goal to make New York greener. Marco Perry, co-founder of Pensa stated, “Partnering up with Goal Zero is a great match for us. We’re looking to create something that complements its surroundings and invites people to hang out and recharge. We have also found that where people gather, opportunities develop for street vendors and retail, and neglected urban areas come alive.”
Street Charge supports New York’s fast-paced mentality and as traditional resources of power dry up, guarantees the use of renewable energy. For those who fear a generation dependent on phones, Street Charge encourages the use of public spaces and meets the needs of architects, developers and city planners seeking to offer amenities in commercial and public spaces.
The solar-powered chargers will move from location to location every three to four weeks until October, when the partnership hopes to expand into other cities with two to three Street Charges per location.
Edited by Stefania Viscusi