boston to austin

by South First IBIZ District on Monday, August 8, 2011 at 2:28pm

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

August 8, 2011 – Austin, TX - South First IBIZ District announced their partnership with Sol Design Lab today, unveiling the installation of a solar recharging station at the South First Food Court on the Corner of South First Street and Live Oak. 

SolarPump™ will allow the public to experience the future of renewable energy while charging electric bikes, scooters, cell phones, laptops, iPods, and lights.  The SolarPump™ not only helps keeps Austin green but also promotes the benefits of shopping locally and circulating money in Austin.

“We are excited to showcase the SolarPump™ as a symbol of sustainability in the South First IBIZ District,” says Rebekka Kwast, IBIZ District Director, “Often times, we forget that locally owned businesses are the backbone of our economy, and there are 90 locally owned businesses right here on South First Street.”

Designed in 2011 by Beth Ferguson and Dallas Swindle of Sol Design Lab with solar wiring work by Maverick Solar, the SolarPump™ was created to help people re-imagine the future of carbon-free cities, using the reclaimed body of a 1950’s gas pump retrofitted with solar panels, the SolarPump™ harnesses solar energy to charge any item using a standard electric plug.

In collaboration with SXSW, the SolarPump™ has been developed and refined as a charging station suitable for outdoor events, college campuses and permanent installations. It has charged phones, bikes, and other electronics at the Cochella Festival as well as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and SXSW.

“We were attracted to the SolarPump™ because it had humor and was a visual pun,” says Eve McArthur, Operations Director at SXSW. “Even in the planning stages, the project proved itself to be conversation starter, sparking discussion about clean energy and engaging the public by using artistic expression within the medium.”

The project has proved to be a true community collaboration from conception to reality, involving the businesses in the South First IBIZ District, the Austin Independent Business Alliance, Sol Design Lab, SXSW, Maverick Solar, the South 1st Food Court, Department of Art & Art History, University of Texas; 4ms Pedals; City of Austin Cultural Contracts and Austin Energy.

Highlights

• Created from reclaimed gas pumps and other recycled scrap metal
• Uses two 175 W SunTech Solar Panels to generate 325 Watts of power
• Contains a 1000 Watt Inverter
• Outputs 110 V to a standard outlet
• Has a digital read out panel to show solar energy stored in the batteries and electricity used while charging electronic devices

The South First IBIZ District and Sol Design Lab will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony and press conference on Wednesday, August 10 at 11:45am.

About IBIZ (IBuyAustin.com)

IBIZ Districts are a program of the Austin Independent Business and funded in partnership with the City of Austin Small Business Development Program. The Austin Independent Business Alliance helps residents and visitors find the concentrations of locally owned businesses; which we call IBIZ Districts (Independent Business Zones).  These destination districts, located all over Austin, are home to an exciting variety of locally owned businesses which provide a wide array of goods and services, delicious dining options and lots of retail! Each IBIZ district reflects the culture, not just of Austin, but the local neighborhood it is in. There are currently 8 IBIZ District located throughout Austin. For more information, see IBuyAustin.com. 

The South First IBIZ District is a group of 89 locally owned businesses, located just south of the river to Oltorf. Follow the district at facebook.com/southfirstibiz or twitter.com/#/southfirstibiz

About Sol Design Lab (soldesignlab.com)

Sol Design Lab is a studio dedicated to the development of progressive solutions for urban sustainability. As society transitions from gas powered cars to electric vehicles, solar charging stations will be crucial for providing the modern urban commuter with independent mobility. Sol Design Lab has designed and prototyped solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles and mobile electronics for use at festivals, business districts, campuses, and city transportation networks. These eye-catching and educational charging stations create vital infrastructure for the integration of electric vehicles and renewable energy into future green cities.

About SXSW Conferences & Festivals

The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals (March 9-18, 2012) offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery. Year after year, the event is a launching pad for new creative content. New media presentations, music showcases and film screenings provide buzz-generating exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for audiences. Conference panel discussions present a forum for learning, business activity thrives at the Trade Shows and global networking opportunities abound. Austin serves as the perfect backdrop for SXSW®, where career development flourishes amid the relaxed atmosphere. Intellectual and creative intermingling among industry leaders continues to spark new ideas and carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the events’ conclusion. 

SXSW® 2012 is sponsored by Chevrolet, IFC, PepsiCo, Sonicbids and The Austin Chronicle. For more information, visit www.sxsw.com.

Press Contacts:

Beth Ferguson

Sol Design Lab

soldesignlab@gmail.com

http://www.soldesignlab.com

512-228-4877

Rebekka Kwast

IBIZ Director, AIBA Co-Pilot

Austin Independent Business Alliance

rebekka@ibuyaustin.com

(512) 441-2123 x 2