Electric vehicle charging solution supplements the grid with solar power

U.S. solar microgrid manufacturer Paired Power announces its partnership with California American Water to deliver resilient EV charging without relying solely on the grid.

The installation of Paired Power’s solar EV charger PairTree reflects California American Water’s disaster preparedness and commitment to help meet California’s emission reduction goals and improve locals’ air quality, health, and safety.

“We’re honored that California American Water chose Paired Power to help power its electric vehicles,” says Paired Power CEO Tom McCalmont. “We made PairTree with the future in mind, and it’s exciting to see our charging solution being embraced by such a respected and forward-thinking institution that serves three quarters of a million Californians.”

California American Water recognizes that access to clean water is essential for businesses to thrive and for communities to flourish. Investing in EV infrastructure is about both safeguarding public health and the environment. According to the EPA’s emission rates calculator, California American Water will be able to prevent 4,472 lb – which is roughly the weight of a Tesla Model Y – of CO₂ from being emitted in the air annually by using PairTree to charge one vehicle.

"We are excited to work with Paired Power to complete this important project that will allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce costs to customers," says Kevin Tilden, president of California American Water. "Utilizing Paired Power’s clean electric power and storage reflects California American Water’s disaster preparedness and commitment to help meet California’s emission reduction goals and improve locals’ air quality, health, and safety.”

Paired Power’s “PairTree'' is a U.S.-made solar canopy that combines solar power with available grid power and battery storage to deliver day or night charging for electric vehicles. As a fully resilient source of electricity, PairTree can also provide emergency backup power during grid outages, and help reduce users’ dependence on the grid.

PairTree can be used for both standalone solar power, or for microgrid renewable power with optional grid connection. Built with durability in mind, PairTree installation takes less than a day and fits into a standard 9 x 18 ft parking space. It has no moving parts, and doesn’t require ongoing maintenance like other problematic “tracker” charging solutions. PairTree offers both one or two Level 2 EV charging ports with the industry standard J1772 EV interface, and is wind-rated up to 130 mph, which is ideal for regions with unpredictable weather patterns.