Buck Institute for Research on Aging Combines Solar & EV Charging
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is a globally recognized leader dedicated to ending the threat of age-related diseases and extending people’s lifespan. Located just north of San Francisco, the Buck brings together world-class scientists from diverse disciplines to advance research that improves quality of life for current and future generations. As part of its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, the Buck Institute continually seeks out forward-thinking solutions that support both its scientific mission and its responsibility to the planet.
Integrating Clean Energy Into a Research-Driven Campus
As a pioneering research institution, the Buck Institute sought to align its campus operations with its mission to promote healthier, longer lives. The challenge was to implement clean energy solutions that would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs, while also supporting the unique energy demands of a world-class scientific facility. The Institute needed a partner who could deliver innovative, scalable technologies that would not only provide reliable power, but also demonstrate leadership in sustainability and serve as a model for other research organizations.
Integrated Solar Carport and Smart EV Charging
INSTALLATION TYPE
- Solar Carport
- EV Charging
INSTALLATION SIZE
- 1.1-MW Solar Carport
- 49 Level 2 Chargers
LOCATION
- Novato, CA
INCENTIVE
Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS)
PowerFlex partnered with the Buck Institute to deliver a comprehensive clean energy solution that combined a large-scale solar carport installation with advanced EV charging infrastructure. In 2016, a 1.11-megawatt (MW) solar carport was constructed on a 4-acre parking lot, marking the largest solar array in Marin County at the time. The low-cost energy generated is delivered to Marin Clean Energy (MCE) customers, including the Buck Institute, under a long-term power purchase agreement, providing both environmental and financial benefits.
“Doing our part to address climate change and support a healthier environment definitely supports the Buck’s efforts to help people live better longer. Kudos to PowerFlex for bringing their cutting-edge technology to our campus.”
Simon Melov, Ph.D.
Buck Institute Professor
Building on this foundation, PowerFlex installed 49 EV charging stations equipped with Adaptive Load Management® (ALM) technology, which optimizes power delivery based on real-time demand, building load, and onsite solar generation. This smart charging system more than doubled the number of available charging ports compared to traditional methods, while flattening and shifting energy consumption to align with solar production. The integrated approach not only reduces operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions but also supports the Institute’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
