Integrated Solar Carport and EV Charging at IBM’s Watson Research Center

IBM is a global technology and consulting company known for pioneering advances in hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum computing. At the Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, NY — home to world-class research and development — IBM pairs deep technical innovation with a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. Expanding on its clean energy initiatives, IBM partnered with PowerFlex to deploy a large-scale solar carport and workplace EV charging program that supports employee electrification, contributes clean energy to the local grid, and advances New York State climate goals.

The Challenge

Leverage Clean Energy Assets Without Disrupting Critical Research Operations

IBM set out to transform its Yorktown Heights campus parking areas into a dual-purpose clean energy hub, generating onsite solar energy while expanding reliable EV charging for employees. The project needed to meet several complex requirements. First, because the Watson Research Center conducts sensitive, always-on research, the site could not experience power loss during the interconnection process. IBM maintains redundant power lines, and any integration had to preserve uninterrupted operations by interconnecting one line at a time. Second, the solar carport had to be built in an active, high-traffic parking environment without impeding daily employee access and safety. Lastly, the system needed to align with New York’s incentive frameworks and utility programs to optimize economics while delivering measurable environmental impact in a high-demand load pocket.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Seamless Installation of a 5.5-MW Community Solar Carport & Smart EV Charging

INSTALLATION TYPE

Solar Carport & EV Charging

INSTALLATION SIZE

5.5 MW Solar
80 Level 2 Chargers
5 DC Fast Chargers

LOCATION

Yorktown Heights, NY

ANNUAL ENERGY PRODUCTION

6,519,814 kWh

INCENTIVES

Investment Tax Credit (ITC) • NY-Sun Megawatt Block • NY Community Solar & Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) Tariff • Load Management Technology Incentive Program (LMTIP)

PowerFlex deployed a 5.5-megawatt (MW) solar carport at IBM’s Watson Research Center, generating 6,519,814 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually while providing covered parking and shade for employee vehicles. The carport’s structural design integrates custom water management that channels rainfall directly into IBM’s stormwater system, minimizing runoff and enhancing usability.

PowerFlex coordinated construction of the carport so as not to interfere with the facility’s busy parking lot, ensuring it was kept functional for IBM employees during the project. To ensure uninterrupted research operations, PowerFlex sequenced interconnection across IBM’s redundant power lines — working on one line at a time — so the facility remained fully powered throughout commissioning.

The solar carport is structured as a community solar project to maximize participation and value. IBM serves as the anchor tenant, subscribing to approximately 40% of the system’s output and receiving financial benefits through Con Edison’s community solar program. IBM employees can enroll as mass-market subscribers and typically receive around 10% monthly electricity bill discounts. Delivering clean energy into a high-demand area helps “green up” the local grid and supports New York’s climate objectives.

Complementing the solar carport, PowerFlex deployed a comprehensive workplace charging solution comprising 80 Level 2 chargers. PowerFlex’s patented Adaptive Load Management® optimizes power distribution across chargers, reduces peak demand, and supports more drivers without costly electrical upgrades. Charging operations are managed via the PowerFlex X™ energy optimization platform through a single-sign-on dashboard that provides IBM with visibility into utilization, emissions reductions, and more. The installation also included 5 DC Fast Chargers, servicing drivers who require a quicker charge.

To optimize project economics, PowerFlex leveraged multiple incentives and programs, including the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), NYSERDA’s NY-Sun Megawatt Block, New York Community Solar with Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) compensation, and the Load Management Technology Incentive Program (LMTIP). By stacking these benefits, PowerFlex improved return on investment while broadening access to clean energy benefits.