October 25, 2012 – Baka Communications Inc. has collaborated with Eaton to power its electric vehicle (EV) fleet with what it says is one of the largest commercial solar charging stations in North America.

Baka—which celebrated the installation of the eight-car public access station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Toronto HQ—says it has converted 60% of its fleet to Chevrolet Volt. The solar charging car port system was developed by Renewz Sustainable Solutions Inc. and combines equipment from Eaton and Giulio Barbieri SpA of Italy.

The Isola 20kW solar carport project was managed and developed by Renewz and features solar and EV charging solutions from Eaton. The station includes a combination of EV charging stations as well as a unique solution that enables the complete solar-power distribution system to be integrated into one structure. The modular structure also includes Heliene Ontario-made solar panels, LED lighting and security equipment. It is designed to be 100% waterproof and fully wind, snow and seismic code compliant.

This solar-powered EV charging station is intended to generate enough clean, renewable energy to recharge Baka’s Volt fleet for 25 years, says the company.

“This project addresses one of our era’s greatest challenges: delivering power to help business grow, but doing so in a more efficient and sustainable manner,” said Rob Farrell, director of marketing, Canadian Operations, Eaton’s Electrical Sector. “The collaborative solution Baka is implementing will not only help control costs and reduce its carbon footprint, but will serve as a green business model for other companies.”