Take our user survey and make your voice heard.
Sanyo has installed two "solar parking lots," incorporating solar panels and lithium-ion battery systems, and provision of 100 electric hybrid bicycles, "eneloop bike," in Setagaya, Tokyo.
The solar parking lot is a completely independent and clean system eliminating the use of fossil fuels, and the clean power generated from the solar panels installed on the roof is stored to be used to recharge the electric hybrid bicycle batteries and illuminate the parking lot lights.
Sanyo has started to expand its energy solution business through offering the Smart Energy Systems (SES) which combine technologies for Energy Creation (photovoltaic system), Energy Storage (rechargeable battery), and Energy Saving (commercial equipment, etc).
For each of the bicycle parking lots operated by the city of Setagaya at Keio Line Sakurajosui Station and Tokyu Den-en Toshi Line Sakurashinmachi Station, HIT solar panels (approximately 46 square meters, 7.56 kW) are installed on the roof to generate sufficient power to recharge the batteries of a total of 100 "eneloop bike" units and illuminate the LED parking lot lights.
The "eneloop bike" is Sanyo's energy recycling electric hybrid bicycle featuring a regenerative charging function that enables electricity generation and battery charging during riding. The 100 "eneloop bike" units provided at the three locations, including Odakyu Line Kyodo Station, in addition to Sakurajosui Station and Sakurashinmachi Station will be used as "community bicycles" by a wide range of people residing in and outside Setagaya.
By combining "HIT solar panels" with "lithium-ion battery systems," Sanyo's solar parking lot enables recharging the electric hybrid bicycles without any commercial power source, even at night or on a rainy day. The lithium-ion battery system also features AC power outlets that can be used to power external equipment during an emergency.
In addition, the installed system incorporates a "DC charger." The "DC charger" enables photovoltaic energy generated and stored in DC (direct current) to be used directly and effectively without AC (alternative current) conversion.
© Japan Corporate News Network
5 Comments
Login to comment
NeoJamal
Sanyo selling their stuff to people in Setagaya?
I would've never..
bakabakabaka
I wonder how much something like this cost. It would be nice if it was viable as a home alternative for gigantic energy costs in the winter/summer. Or even just for lights.
I am really glad to see at least part of the city turn to solar power. It's a step in the right direction.
noborito
Wonder if Taxi's are going to park under it and keep their taxi's running for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer?
Lenin
Wow! Solar parking lots! Don`t you mean car parks? Do we really get a chance to park on the surface of the sun??
jonobugs
Yeah, I guess it should be "Solar powered parking lots", but it sounds awesome! I'm sure it's not cheap, but if it ever becomes more popular I'm sure they would find a way to cut down on costs.