Solar panels power Sanyo Parking lots in Tokyo

Electronics giant Sanyo has finished work on two parking lots that are powered with solar panels.  They are designed to accommodate 100 eneloop bikes in Tokyo. The news comes soon following Sanyo’s announcement of a new series of eneloop electric bicycles.

The system will have zero emissions, and incorporates high-efficiency 7.56kW HIT solar panels.  The solar energy system will capture energy that’s then used to recharge the lithium ion batteries in the eneloop bikes.  The solar power will also supply the energy for the lights that illuminate the lots at night.  The really amazing news is that no commercial power sources will be used in the project, regardless of the available sunshine.

The solar panels parking lots are located in the ward of Setagaya, along the Keio and Tokyu Den-en Toshi rail lines.  This is an up-market community west of downtown Tokyo.

The Sanyo eneloop bikes parked at the solar energy lots will be available as community bicycles for visitors and local residents. It’ not clear as yet if there will be a deposit required, or a fee to use them.  The Japanese press release video clearly shows the solar powered parking lots protected by turnstiles and fences.

The time taken to recharge the power-assist eneloop bikes will be around 3.5 hours, according to details in the Sankei Shimbun newspaper.  The solar energy powered battery recharging cabinets will also incorporate standard outlets that can be used to power electrical equipment in the event of an emergency.

Sanyo says the lots are part of a major company initiative, known as the Smart Energy System.  The initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions by generating and storing renewable energy.  The company is promoting it as a solution for manufacturing, transport, housing and other public facilities.