New solar charging station dedicated in Fairhope

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WPMI) — With the advent of electric vehicles 12 cities across Alabama including Foley and Fairhope now have new solar powered charging stations. A charging station located outside the Fairhope Civic Center and City Hall was officially launched today.

Officials say "the power is on," as this new 50 kilowatt solar research project and charging station is now online. "The further south you go possibly the better the sunshine so every community we're in we will be learning," said Fred Clark with the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority.

That’s right, the sun doesn’t always shine but with this new six car charging station the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority is taking serious steps investing over a million dollars to build a network of solar powered stations in key Alabama cities like Fairhope where tourists can park and shop while their electric cars are juicing up.

The electric authority says it will take about 30 years to get return on their investment but this isn’t about profit or making money they say. This is about the research. "The data we receive from these projects will only benefit our knowledge of what takes place and what energy is produced," said Clark. The profits will eventually come.

Not many cars have charged here yet, but they will. The mayor says, “This is the future now,” as the electric authority is making grant money available, $55,000 in matching funds to expand charging stations. "Those will go along U.S. Highway 98 and major four lanes. We are looking at an area along 98 to put several chargers for people who come through town headed down to the beach down 98 and State Highway 59," said Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan.

With most car manufacturers launching new electric models next year the road ahead will soon be electrified for many.