How PoE Renewable Energy Solutions Support Solar-Powered Charging Stations
The primary obstacles to widespread acceptance of EV technology are higher purchase prices and a lack of charging stations. While vehicle pricing is up to the manufacturers, charging station infrastructure development requires private and public funding. Urban and suburban areas should strive to provide sufficient volume to sustain a viable business model. Rural spaces, such as the plains of Kansas and Nebraska, may lack the volume to justify private investment, necessitating public funds to ensure a comprehensive US network.
Because conventional charging stations draw power from existing utility grids, energy costs and availability may vary. As the American market grows, EVs will demand more energy, which could overload the local grid, especially in areas with aging infrastructure. In less populated regions, drawing power from local grids may be difficult and possibly cost-prohibitive. Combining solar power with Power over Ethernet (PoE) renewable energy technology is an effective way to drive the development of self-powered charging stations nationwide.
PoE technology enables the transmission of both electrical power and data over a single Ethernet cable. Sending power and data over one wire eliminates the need for a separate power supply for PoE-enabled devices. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) working groups develop standards that ensure compatibility among PoE devices. The following standards have been released: IEEE 802.3af supports up to 15.4 watts of power output.
supports up to 15.4 watts of power output. IEEE 802.3at defines power outputs up to 30 watts.
defines power outputs up to 30 watts. IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 supports up to 60 watts of power.
Type 3 supports up to 60 watts of power. IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 has a maximum power output of 100 watts.
The IEEE continues to work on standards to support more power and data.
A Renewable Power Managed Ethernet Switch, such as Planet's BSP-360 switch, connects to a renewable energy source, a storage battery, and a charging station. The switch receives DC current, ranging from 24V to 45V, from energy sources such as solar panels. Any energy gathered by these sources can be used to power the managed PoE switch or be stored in a lithium or lead-acid battery. The PoE switch can then power any PoE-enabled device, eliminating the need for an additional power source. By leveraging PoE-enabled renewable energy solutions, Kansas can utilize its, on average, 230 sunny days to great use, powering charging stations across the Great Plains.
Commercial EV charging stations typically offer two charging levels: Level 1 adds a range of approximately four to five miles per hour of charging using a 120-volt outlet.
adds a range of approximately four to five miles per hour of charging using a 120-volt outlet. Level 2 adds a range of approximately ten to twenty miles per hour of charging using a 240-volt outlet.
A third option is available for DC fast charging. It requires a commercial-grade power supply of 480 volts or higher with dedicated circuits. The charging rates at each station determine the power capacity needed from the PoE power source. The IECC's 2024 EV standards outline charging infrastructure specifications, including load and capacity requirements.
In addition to power requirements, US charging stations must consider the following standards and regulations: The National Electrical Code outlines design and inspection requirements to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a negotiating protocol between EV applications and charging stations. First published in 2009, OCPP's latest release (2.0.1) incorporates changes to simplify transactions. For many implementations, OCPP certification is becoming a requirement.
ISO 15118defines a plug-and-charge protocol standard that requires drivers to set up a purchasing profile. When drivers plug the car into a charging station, payment is transmitted using pre-existing profiles.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act defines accessibility requirements for users with disabilities. It stipulates the requirements for spacing between charging stations to allow for wheelchair access. Charging stations must provide accessible communication methods through user interfaces and voice activation. Stations must display clear signage to ensure safe ingress and egress.
EV standards are continually evolving, and new requirements are being released as the industry matures.
In addition to these nationwide requirements, every local jurisdiction has its own set of building and business codes that charging stations must comply with. For example, charging stations in residential areas may be required to construct fences or barriers to prevent headlights from shining into homes. There may be restrictions on the number of parking spaces in specific locations, and construction should also consider size requirements to ensure compliance with Section 508.
Building codes may require that only licensed electricians install charging stations and oversee connections to utility grids. There may also be zoning constraints or signage guidelines. Before investing in EV charging stations, check with local authorities to avoid any unexpected obstacles.
If local utilities are publicly owned, coordinating deployment will be part of these entities' approval processes. If the electrical company is privately operated, be sure to discuss directly with them to understand how to add charging stations to their grid. The company will want to assess the impact on its existing grid and determine if infrastructure upgrades are needed.
Interest in electric cars began in the early 19th century; however, sustained interest by the buying public didn't emerge until the 21st century. As of March 2025, the United States had over 204,600 charging outlets, with 51,200 located in California. According to the US Department of Energy, by 2030, the United States will need 28 million EV charging ports distributed across the country.
Most charging stations will be located at single-family homes and workplaces. However, public charging stations will be necessary in areas such as multi-family buildings, hotels, and shopping centers. A network of fast-charging stations will be crucial for long-distance travel.
Planet's PoE renewable switch and cellular gateways are designed to facilitate the growth of sustainable charging stations. These products enable the placement of self-powered charging stations where they are needed most. Contact us for more information on PoE solutions.
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