By Holly Walter

 

Arizona has long been known for advanced solar technology, abundant renewable energy resources and virtually non-stop sunshine.

 

Because solar makes so much sense, Rural/Metro’s Southwest Ambulance became the first ambulance company in Arizona to install solar panels on its vehicles.  A total of 40 ambulances, at a cost of $155,000 each for a total investment of $6.2 million, were purchased and fitted with solar panels specifically to accommodate a new regional contract with Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and the Apache Junction Fire District.

 

The exclusive contract is Arizona’s first Regional Emergency Transportation System. The coordinated regional model allows for seamless coordination with fire department EMS response. By combining common communications and protocols with the transportation resources of Southwest Ambulance, these communities will be prepared for medical emergencies large and small.

 

East Valley Market General Manager Chris Medrea proposed the solar panel idea when looking for alternate ways to power the climate-controlled compartment of the new ambulances.

 

“Ambulances can be notorious energy hogs because they are filled with medical and communication equipment that must be kept charged. The addition of the cooled compartment only worsened the problem,” Medrea said. After analyzing costs, Medrea decided that solar panels would ultimately reduce expenses, save energy and solve the power dilemma.

 

“All the technology was there,” Medrea added. “It was just a matter of taking the next step and fitting the pieces together with Arizona’s greatest natural resource – the sun.”

 

Much like solar-powered homes, these solar ambulances harness energy from the sun, converting it into electricity. That electricity then fuels a special battery that powers an interior climate-controlled compartment used to store the unit’s drug bog. Used this way, the solar power serves as a range extender for the drug compartment, allowing the panel to charge a supplemental battery while the sunlight is abundant.

 

The high-end solar panels were manufactured by Kyocera, whose North American solar products subsidiary is headquartered in Scottsdale. The panels were purchased from Northern Arizona Wind & Sun in Flagstaff, and later delivered to Taylor-Made in Arkansas for fitting. Southwest Ambulance purchased a 135-watt solar panel for each ambulance. Taylor-Made installs the panel, along with the necessary wiring and equipment.

 

Although the panels are guaranteed for 20 years, they received a harsh, real-world test while the ambulances were being transported from Arkansas to Mesa. When driving through Oklahoma, five ambulances were subjected to a severe storm with golf ball-sized hail. While there was noticeable damage to the hood and other parts of the vehicle body, the solar units emerged unscathed.

 

“If the solar panels could survive a storm like that, I suspect they can withstand just about anything,” Medrea said. “It was an unintentional test that truly validated the sturdiness of the panels.”

 

With the new regional contract under way and new solar ambulances hitting the streets, Southwest Ambulance is looking at sunny days ahead.

 

“The East Valley made some significant strides in adopting best practices to implement an innovative and improved emergency response system,” said John Karolzak, Rural/Metro Southwest Zone Vice President. “Implementing solar panels into the ambulance design is one such innovation.

 

“We cultivate creative ideas and encourage employees to think outside the box. Investing in solar provides multiple advantages, making it the right environmental and financial decision for Rural/Metro and to the communities we serve.”