Alliant Energy is launching a solar demonstration project at its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. As part of the initiative, Telefonix, Inc. installed 13 L2 PowerPost electric vehicle charging stations.

The goal of the program is to evaluate solar technologies in climates with varying weather including extreme cold. Alliant is planning on installing more than three dozen unique renewable energy features over the next few years.  In phase one the company will install solar power canopies over 50 parking spaces, solar café tables, and over 1,000 solar panels from multiple manufacturers with 11 different types of panels being used. The 13 PowerPost EV Charging Stations are being powered by the building, but the solar energy generated will offset total building consumption.

L2 PowerPost(TM) EV charger (PRNewsFoto/ Telefonix Inc.)

“As a Midwest company ourselves, we are excited to see other organizations taking the lead in these types of research initiatives that will be critical in the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in the coming years,” said Bill Williams, business development manager at Telefonix Inc. “Alliant Energy’s solar lab will help answer a lot of questions about solar energy in the Midwest and help move forth renewable energy as a whole.”

As part of the testing, solar energy features will be located in various areas and positioned in multiple angles an elevations. The learnings will inform Allliant Energy on how best to optimize solar energy in the Midwest.  A unique interface available both onsite and on the internet will allow anyone to view real-time performance data of the solar lab.

“We are excited about this innovative demonstration project and view it as a learning laboratory for research that our customers can view on a regular basis,” added John Larsen, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin utility. “This multi-year effort will enable our company and our customers to discover the many ways solar energy and renewable technology can be used in a Wisconsin setting.”