Benicia, Calif, — CODA Energy, in partnership with Growing Energy Labs Inc. (Geli) and Energy Vault, today announced the commercial operation of the first grid-tied, solar-integrated EV (electric vehicle) fast charging station optimized by energy storage.
The fast charging EV station integrates a 175kW solar PV array, a 20kW/40kWh CODA Core™ energy storage system (ESS) with an Ideal Power three-port power converter and Geli’s intelligent Energy Operating System software (EOS) to manage three EV chargers, including a BTC Power Level 3 EV Fast Charger at City Hall in the City of Benicia. Using the CODA Core™ ESS in conjunction with the Geli EOS, the charger intelligently determines when to use solar energy generated from City Hall’s rooftop PV panels and when to draw stored solar energy from the ESS based on the price of power and energy.
Energy storage optimizes the delivery of zero emissions, solar electricity, CODA says. Fast charging stations with integrated solar panels typically rely on grid power — even when the sun is shining — as the power needs of the vehicles and chargers often exceed the output of the solar array. Thus the ESS helps reduce operational costs, improve functionality, enable new revenue streams, and mitigate grid stress.
“By combining Geli’s EOS with CODA Energy storage we enhance the value of renewable generation. Whether it’s renewable generation for “plug-in” vehicles or as it’s applied to other dynamic loads, this combined system provides critical balance and creates the real-world foundation of a sustainable grid and a zero-carbon transportation system. ” said Peter Nortman, COO of CODA Energy.
A typical EV charging session takes 20-30 minutes, depending on a vehicle’s state of charge and battery capacity. The BTC Level 3 Faster Charger is equipped with the two standard connectors now in the marketplace, the CHADeMO connector used by most EVs today, and the new SAE “Combo” connector used by some American and German brands. Available immediately for public use, charging is limited to one-hour per charging session (most cars can get a full charge in 20-30 minutes) and the cost is based on how much energy is used and at what time of day it is used.
The DC fast charging station is funded with a $79,200 California Energy Commission grant administered jointly by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and EV Communities Alliance. The installation also received support from California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). The project is implemented by a consortium of project partners including Growing Energy Labs Inc. (Geli), CODA Energy, Bass Electric, BTC Power, Energy Vault, McCalmont Engineering, and Ideal Power.