The solar panels have been installed – Soon electric vehicles can also be charged at VAMK

Starting from the fall 2022, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences will provide electric vehicle charging stations. The solar panels installed during the summer, along with the charging points powered by their energy, are a visible part of VAMK’s sustainable development and responsibility program.

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences will have 10 electric vehicle charging points installed during early fall. In July, 330 solar panels were installed on the university’s roof to generate electricity for the solar-powered charging points. According to the latest estimate, the charging points are expected to be operational by September or October.

– Electric and hybrid vehicle charging points can be used by staff, students, and all visitors at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, according to Katariina Koski, the Occupational Health and Safety and Property Manager at the Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.

Supporting electric vehicle usage is an environmental action for Vaasan Sähkö and VAMK

Installing solar panels and acquiring solar-powered charging stations is part of VAMK’s Sustainable Development and Responsibility Program, which has one of its essential goals to support staff and students in making more sustainable choices in their everyday lives.

– In line with the program, we aim to enable low-emission mobility, which the installation of future electric vehicle charging stations will greatly support. They are an anticipated addition to the services provided by VAMK for students, staff, and other stakeholders, says Kati Komulainen, the Rector and CEO of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.

The solar power system and charging solution are supplied by Vaasan Sähkö, while the installation of solar panels and charging stations is carried out by Solnet and Comsel System Ltd. The total power of the solar panels is approximately 125 peak kilowatts (kWp), which, according to Vaasan Sähkö, generates about 105,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 5-6 electrically heated detached houses. The panels come with a 25-year energy production guarantee.

– As an energy company, it is important for us to support clean energy production and the electrification of society. VAMK’s solution is a great example of how these two perspectives can be combined,” says Jari Hovila, Product Manager of Energy Services at Vaasan Sähkö.

Once VAMK’s charging points are operational, electric or hybrid vehicles can be charged at nearly twenty public charging stations in Vaasa.