NWTC Service-Learning and Civic Engagement 2017-2018 | Page 16

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT &
E N V I R O N M E N TA L P R O T E C T I O N
SUSTAINABILITY
EV Charging Station Installation
Transforming spaces for the
electric vehicle movement.
A longtime partner of NWTC’s
Energy and Environmental programs,
Crossroads at Big Creek is a Door
County preserve which offers
education, conducts research and
provides outdoor experiences to
inspire environmental stewardship in
learners of all ages.
Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon
Bay often undertakes innovative
energy projects to demonstrate its
commitment to renewable energy
and reduce their carbon footprint.
Last year, the organization selected
to install an electric vehicle (EV)
recharging station near their recently
completed parking lot.
In a dual effort, the recharging station
was installed in the fall of 2017 by a
group of students in the NWTC Solar
Energy Technology program under
the direction of
John Hippensteel.
The EV charging station market
is expected to grow from 5.30
billion in 2018 and reach 30.41 billion
15
by 2023, at a compound annual
growth rate of 41.8% between 2018
and 2023. Installing solar electric
charging stations is just one of
many commercial applications being
studied and practiced by students in a
growing renewable energy industry.
To begin the project students first
performed a Photovoltaic System
(PV) inspection of the site, ensuring
compliance with the National Electrical
Code and local code requirements.
Then, working over the course of
30 hours the students installed the
EV charging station.
With the ability to serve two vehicles
simultaneously at up to 75 amps
each, the unit — a JuiceBox Pro made
possible by Lake Michigan Wind &
Sun — is now located next to the main
solar array at the east end of the main
parking lot.
The students also conducted a
separate solar thermal site
assessment for the Environmental
Education Center as well, providing a
full report with cost/benefit analysis
for the director and team members
within the facility.
In previous years, the Solar Energy
Technology program has partnered
with Crossroads on other projects
including the installation of a PV array
in the shape of a spiral galaxy near
the Crossroads observatory. Students
also provide an educational booth
during the Water Fest Sustainability
Fair, an event organized by
Crossroads and Sustain Door County.
With the help of Solar Energy
Technology students, Crossroads
hopes that electric vehicle owners
will recharge their souls with a nature
hike while recharging their cars at the
newly installed EV station.