45°
The term "full-service station" is about to get a whole new meaning. Westport has applied for a federal grant to cover most of the estimated $330,000 for a sun-drenched green update to the Saugatuck train station. If funding comes through, commuters could park -- and charge -- their battery-powered vehicles at the sought-after parking spaces adjacent to the tracks. Of course, they'll have to wait until 2011, when the first fully electric Smart Cars ("Smart fortwo") become available to the public.
But Saugatuck won't be an ordinary filling station: The project involves retrofitting the building with a 30-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system that will be installed on the roof. The solar panels will fuel "chargers" at 20 spots reserved for electric cars only. Westport-based project architect Rick Hoag said it's a project whose time has come: "We need to change the way we think about how to get around, and the electric commuting car is the perfect way to achieve it."
Installing solar-powered charging stations will help the town hop on the green energy bandwagon. To promote their efforts, officials are considering allowing residents who have electric cars to move ahead (of those with "old" technology vehicles) in the lengthy cue for station parking permits.
According to Westport-based John Rountree, president of Westport Solar Consultants and a consulting architect on the project, the station update is integral to raising local awareness about the benefits of alternative energy sources. Rountree, who specializes in the design and installation of solar energy for homes and businesses, is eager for Westporters to "take part in the solution of today's environmental challenges."
Here comes the sun, indeed.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
