New Public Solar Charging Stations In New York Will Power Up Your iOS Device
by Brent Dirks
June 18, 2013
At least in New York, iOS device users now have a unique way to recharge an iPhone or iPad.
Solar power provider Goal Zero is teaming up with AT&T and Brooklyn design studio Pensa to introduce public, solar-powered charging stations, known as Street Charge, across the city. Along with the newer Lightning plugs, the stations will also have 30-pin adapters for older iOS devices.
“We’re excited to team up with AT&T and Pensa to help make New York a little greener and solar power a little more accessible,” said Joe Atkin, President and CEO of Goal Zero. “Nearly half of all Americans own a smartphone and the amount of time we spend on handheld devices has increased dramatically. All too often, we hear the dreaded low-battery beep and it happens at the most inconvenient times. Street Charge will fix that.”Pensa tested a prototype Street Charge last summer in Brooklyn using a reclaimed public space. Along with providing power to mobile devices, the Street Charges have potential to offer lighting and Wi-Fi in the future. A station will debut today at Fort Greene Park. This summer, AT&T will deploy other units across the city in high-traffic areas like Brooklyn Bridge Park, Coney Island, Riverside Park, the Rockaways, Summerstage in Central Park, Randall's Island, Governor's Island, Union Square, and Hudson River Park.