This Truck Is Bringing Solar Energy to Sandy-Stricken New York [VIDEO]

 By 
Eric Larson
 on 
This Truck Is Bringing Solar Energy to Sandy-Stricken New York [VIDEO]

[brightcove video="1954284288001 " /]

Rockaway, a peninsula in Queens, New York City, was one of the many regions affected by -- and still recuperating from -- superstorm Sandy. The area's been without power since last week, and it doesn't look like it's coming back anytime soon. Aid stations have been providing support, but due to lack of power, most are unable to stay open at night.

Since Wednesday, though, Greenpeace has provided full-time power to one aid station with its Rolling Sunlight -- a truck cleverly mounted with a solar power array.

The vehicle was built about ten years ago. It's able to store 50 kilowatt-hours of energy; the panels on top directly charge a collection of batteries on the inside, which feeds into an inverter and turns energy into 120/240 AC. With that, residents are able to run enough lights to keep a large part of the area lit throughout the night.

So far, they've worked up enough solar power to keep the aid station running for five straight days. They have background generators as well, in the event of an overcast evening. As of now, it's the only truck of its kind in the country.

Watch the video above to learn more. How else can solar power be used for relief aid? Give us your thoughts in the comments.

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