By Renewable Energy Focus staff

The eTap solar EV charging point is the result of a collaboration between EV charging specialist APT Technologies and solar developer Use The Sun.

The solar EV charging point is made up of 45 solar panels forming a canopy with 6 parking bays with Evolt charging points from APT Technologies.

The solar panels could produce 8.5 MWh annually – enough to 50% charge over 700 vehicles. They will be grid connected to qualify for feed-in tariffs. Payments from drivers will be collected through a pay by phone system.

Use The Sun says it will install the solar EV charging system for free, but will keep the income from the feed-in tariff and drivers’ payments.

Charles Montlake, Director at Use The Sun, says: “While the technology is in its early stages, the potential here could see eTap charging stations in car parks up and down the UK.

“We’re looking at both urban and remote areas as the eTap solution will suite locations where EV drivers will park for a few hours.

Justin Meyer, Business Development Manager at APT Technologies, adds that current estimates predict more than 1.7 million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the UK by 2020.