Southern New Hampshire University Showcases Student-Led Solar Innovation with Sunbolt Station
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recently made headlines with the installation of a groundbreaking solar-powered charging station, called the Sunbolt VelocityLT. This initiative, driven by the university's students, demonstrates a firm commitment to sustainability and innovation. Located at a popular greenspace on campus, the workstation was unveiled just before the commencement ceremony, thanks to a generous donation from former university President Paul LeBlanc.
The Sunbolt VelocityLT is not just any charging station; it’s designed to be weatherproof, ADA-accessible, and powered entirely by renewable solar energy, providing students a place to gather, charge their devices, and enjoy the fresh air. This initiative stands as a shining example of grassroots sustainability in action. Vanessa Branco, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Sunbolt, commented, "This is exactly the kind of community-led impact Sunbolt was built to support. When students take the lead on sustainable infrastructure, they not only transform their campuses, they inspire others to rethink what clean energy can look like in everyday life."
What’s remarkable about this project is how it was entirely driven by the Environmental Club’s executive board at SNHU. Following their attendance at the AASHE Sustainability Conference in 2024, the students recognized the potential of solar-powered furniture to enhance wellness, environmental consciousness, and outdoor engagement among tech-savvy students. After thorough evaluations, they settled on Sunbolt's VelocityLT for its durability, ease of installation, and inclusive design, ensuring that everyone can benefit.
This charging station boasts 120V outlets, USB, and USB-C ports, all powered by integrated solar panels. A custom plaque attached to the workstation carries an uplifting message: “To let the sun recharge your devices, recharge your minds.” Since its installation, the workstation has received substantial usage, emphasizing the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure that caters to student needs.
Jade Kosa, Vice President of the Environmental Club and project lead, expressed the vision behind the initiative, saying, "This table is about bridging the gap between our digital lives and the natural world. We wanted to give students a way to spend more time outside and the opportunity to grow their love for nature, even when they have to be tied to their screens."
In recent years, SNHU has made significant strides toward promoting sustainability on campus, including multiple LEED-certified buildings and achieving a STARS Bronze rating. Discussions are ongoing regarding future solar installations, with hopes that this pilot project will inspire other universities to pursue similar sustainable and student-led initiatives.
Sunbolt is actively working to expand the installation of its workstations across colleges and universities nationwide, helping institutions meet sustainability targets and creating more access to power, wellness spaces, and outdoor learning environments.
In conclusion, the Sunbolt VelocityLT installation at SNHU serves not just as a functional piece of campus infrastructure but as a model for how student initiative can lead to impactful change in sustainability practices. This project reflects a broader movement toward eco-conscious living and learning, which is essential for a more sustainable future.
For more information about Sunbolt's innovative solar-powered workstations and charging stations, visit their website at www.gosunbolt.com. About Sunbolt: Headquartered in Huntingdon Valley, PA, Sunbolt specializes in designing and manufacturing off-grid solar-powered furniture and charging stations that seamlessly blend sustainability with high performance and aesthetic appeal, allowing users to stay connected without traditional energy sources.