Montana State University recently powered up its first solar workstation that provides off-grid charging for phones and laptops. The workstation, called the ‘Solari,’ was donated by Archasol, a national supplier of solar powered, outdoor phone charging stations, smart benches, pathway lighting and sign lighting, also based in Bozeman, MT.

Located just outside the Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship at MSU, a building that earned a LEED Gold Certification in 2016, the ‘Solari’ solar powered workstation offers a convenient outdoor space for students to meet, eat lunch or study while charging their phones or laptops. Easy to spot with the large overhead canopy housing its solar panels, this workstation is rapidly becoming a favorite meeting place for students and faculty.

The ‘Solari’ workstation features 4 x USB charging ports, 2 x Qi wireless charging pads, 4 x 120V AC power outlets, a Bluetooth speaker and a Wi-Fi modem. Overhead LED lighting mounted on the underside of the solar canopy automatically turns on at dusk, extending the use of the workstation well into the night.

“When I speak with colleges and universities, we discuss how solar lights can add security lighting in remote corners of the campus and other amenities, like solar workstations, can encourage students, staff and alumni to gather and enjoy the outdoors,” says Janice Dobson, Business Development Director of Archasol. “Our solar amenities also show potential students that a school is up to date with modern technology and is taking steps towards a more sustainable future. Since solar products cost nothing to run on an ongoing basis, their impact can be priceless.”

As with any Archasol solar product, the ‘Solari’ can be installed anywhere on campus. The 440 W solar panels atop the 98”L x 66”W x 93”H unit supply power to charge a 110 AH storage battery stored under one of the seats, which in turn powers the AC outlets, phone charging ports and overhead lighting, even during periods of cloudy weather. MSU staff can use an app to monitor the charging state, battery condition, operational hours of the lights and PV cell output in real time.

“What MSU needed was a solar workstation that would store enough energy to operate for days without sunshine, blending in with the campus aesthetics with seating that encourages interaction and collaboration, both during the day and after dusk,” Janice continues. “The Solari workstation was just the solution. Someday soon, we’d like to see MSU keep this momentum going with more sustainable, solar power infrastructure all over campus.”

For further information about the ‘Solari’ workstation, other models of solar benches or any of the complete range of solar lighting products offered by Archasol, you can reach Janice at (406) 551-4098.