Tesla Motors has been busy constructing DC fast-charging stations throughout the United States and internationally. The original goal was to provide electricity that was generated from solar power, however, so far the electricity has been drawn from the traditional power grid. That has changed now since Tesla is busy constructing the first solar powered supercharger in Rocklin, California. This station that is being built will offer Tesla’s customers all facilities in a single location.
The structure will incorporate a showroom, service center along with a row of Supercharger fast-charging stalls that shall house a huge assembly of photovoltaic solar cells in charge of powering the entire facility. There is another Supercharger site located 4 miles away from Rocklin location at Roseville Galleria Mall.
The freeway access, however, is not direct nor immediate. Therefore, Tesla has added 8 Supercharger stalls about a minute away from the Interstate 80 exchange at the Sierra College exit. Phil Haupt Electric of Roseville, a local company, was given the task of working on this project owing to the experience that this company has in electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installation and maintenance.
Phil Haupt said, “I was very flattered to have our company selected to do this installation and we used all local employees and even purchased all of our materials locally.” Tesla’s Supercharger installations are usually also carried out by companies that operate on almost-national or wide regional basis in order to create these sites one after the another through the state lines.
Tesla has always been talking about powering up the Superchargers via solar energy and Rocklin location has taken the company’s claim further. The roofs of the showroom and service area have been covered with photovoltaic panels. The panels serve a dual purpose; they harness the energy of sun while also providing shade from the Central Valley’s scorching heat!