University of Wisconsin-Madison students drive solar lighting and e-paper solutions to transform campus transit
Student-led innovation sparks sustainable change
In fall 2019, three University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) students initiated a Green Fund project to enhance campus sustainability. Supported by the Office of Sustainability and Transportation Services, the project's primary goal was to improve the commuter experience while reducing climate impact by integrating solar-powered, aesthetically pleasing bus shelters with real-time digital displays.
Creating forward-thinking solutions through creative design
UW students and staff aimed to integrate aesthetic solar solutions that matched the campus design and find a way to power digital displays without relying on costly electrical wiring from nearby buildings. Our team helped develop custom solar panels to fit seamlessly between the shelter’s roof ribs, ensuring an integrated look without compromising power delivery.
Our engineers undertook designing and integrating custom solar panels and tamper-resistant cable raceways to conceal the wiring, all while creating a solution that withstands harsh winter conditions and maintains operational efficiency year-round. Extensive collaboration with UW ensured that all specifications were met to deliver a high-end solution that aligned with their aesthetic and functional goals.
Crafting tailored approaches for unique needs
With UW’s primary focus being to improve real-time information delivery to riders, share dynamic messaging and improve the commuter experience. To date, we have completed phase 2 of 3 and have installed 37 of 47 units. Each custom solar-powered system was installed on existing shelters, featuring 13” e-paper displays, security lighting and remote monitoring capabilities.
Real-time information displays: Digital 13” e-paper displays provide up-to-date bus arrival times and dynamic messaging capabilities to showcase campus updates, events, emergencies and weather alerts directly to passengers at the stop.
Tailored solar lighting systems: Customized RMSF lighting systems ensure enhanced safety and visibility after dark, ensuring riders are kept safe and seen at night.
Flexible solar panels: Each shelter is equipped with eight 35W custom built, flexible solar panels designed to integrate seamlessly with the roof and face south to ensure the best solar viability year-round.
Custom branding: All e-paper displays were outfitted with the UW logo. Additionally, all panel enclosures and hardware were powder coated to match the university’s shelters.
Remote system management: An integrated remote monitoring controller allows UW staff to virtually monitor battery health, change lighting profiles and reboot the displays as required.
Training and maintenance: UW staff received thorough training on the new systems to ensure smooth operation and maintenance, supported by ongoing technical support from our team.
“One of the things we were interested in was using a flexible solar panel that could bend over the existing round roof and… look like part of the bus shelter.”
Sustainable results for the campus and student ridership
The ongoing project has shown positive impacts including:
Increased rider satisfaction: Enhanced commuter experience with real-time transit information.
Improved security: Better-lit bus stops provide a greater sense of safety and ensure riders are safe and seen at nighttime.
Energy savings: Reduction in energy costs with custom solar solutions that don’t utilize traditional, costly grid power.
Reduced maintenance costs: Remote monitoring eliminates need of drive-by checks of healthy systems, providing real-time alerts to staff for units that need attention.
Innovative collaboration: This student-led initiative demonstrates the impact of engagement and hands-on learning. The students’ involvement showcases how universities can leverage student talent to drive meaningful and sustainable change.
About Urban Solar
Urban Solar is the North American market leader in off-grid lighting and amenities for bus stops. Since 2008, Urban Solar solutions have enhanced safety and rider experience at over 20,000 bus stops across North America.