For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Free electric vehicle charging is now available in Wisconsin Rapids, thanks to a new solar-powered car charging station on the Mid-State Technical College Rapids campus.

Construction on the site began in September 2018, with assistance from a Constellation Energy through an E2 – Energy to Educate grant. The solar array was then installed over the 2018–19 school year by Mid-State’s Renewable Energy Technician students, with assistance from North Wind Renewable Energy Cooperative. The solar rack was manufactured by Sinclair Designs and Engineering, and all solar panels donated by Panasonic Solar.

Located at the northwest corner of the Wisconsin Rapids Campus parking lot, the station’s power is generated entirely from the solar array installed at the site, making the energy 100 renewable and clean. Six Level 2 charging stations are available, and all cords are SAE J1772. It is the first electric vehicle charging station in central Wisconsin south of Wausau.

A May 10 ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks from Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik and Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink as well as on overview of the project and station demo from Mid-State Renewable Energy Instructor Ben Nusz.

“As we look to use more renewable energy sources, this solar and other types of electric vehicle charging stations will become very important for our communities,” said Mondeik.

“From an innovation standpoint, this community’s future will be brought about through new innovation, and to have students right here to be trained to be able to take this technology and grow businesses and start businesses and grow jobs in the region is really exciting,” said Vruwink.

Through continued contributions, the college plans to construct electric vehicle charging stations at its other three campuses this fall.

For more information on Mid-State’s solar-powered electric vehicle charging station, visit mstc.edu/electricvehicles.