Essex Community College Students Build Solar Power Charging Station

Outside the Center for Technology on the Essex County College campus sits a more than nine foot high pole unit topped by a single, 30-watt solar panel. Securely bolted to the ground, the unit checks in at 250 pounds.

It’s dubbed the “Solstice,” a solar powered charging station which was erected by students in the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design and Solar Training class over the summer. With one AC and two USB ports, it serves as a working lab for students in various Engineering Technologies & Computer Sciences courses, said division Chair Ravi Manimaran. The unit was manufactured by EnerFusion, Inc., of Lansing, MI., funded through the state Department of Labor & Workforce Development, and was assembled over the course of several hours.

The ports can charge such items as cell phones and laptops. After the station was erected, the students tested its charging capability with an electric pencil sharpener.

“We are primarily using it as a hands-on learning tool, a working solar power model, for both our students and area high school students, said Professor Manimaran. The project was part of the training for LEED, which is a “green” building tool. “Our students had the chance to receive industry based training.”

The station was erected by 14 ECC students under the watchful eyes of faculty and the division chair. The students represented several disciplines, including Civil Construction Engineering and Architectural Technology. Hong Jin, of the Springfield-based Netta Architects, provided the training for the students. “Just watching the students get involved, I could tell they really enjoyed this special project” which is now a permanent part of the campus landscape, she said.

“I’m interested in sustainability and solar power, so this project was of great interest to me,” said Silvia Bronder, an Architectural Technology major from Fairfield. “We are part of the LEED training program and this was a great opportunity to work on the charging station.” She added she will be taking the LEED certification exam.

LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, and is a series of rating systems for design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings, homes, and neighborhoods.

John Nunoo, an Architectural Technology major who graduated after the Summer I term, said the solar panel project, coupled with the overall summer program at ECC, showed him what the environment has to offer in terms of careers. “I think it’s awesome,” added the Somerset resident, gazing up at the tower.

Architectural Technology major Devon Balbosa, of Orange, said the project is good for both the College and the city of Newark. “Now people can see green energy right outside here.”