What the Smart Pergola is
The Smart Pergola is an outdoor charging station with photovoltaic panels, designed for e-bikes and electric scooters. It is built to operate autonomously, without a grid connection, and fits naturally in urban furniture, cycleways, campuses, tourist areas, campsites and mobility hubs.
The structure is elegant, robust and weather-resistant, made of non-corrodible metal. Monocrystalline silicon solar panels power charging; the assembly is fixed on two concrete bases. Materials are high quality and recyclable under applicable rules. Designed for outdoor use, it installs relatively simply and does not require extraordinary routine maintenance, provided normal outdoor infrastructure checks are planned.
Compared with a grid column, the competitive advantage is on-site energy independence: where cabling is expensive or slow, a solar pergola can become a faster service node. Project Vending offers it as micro-mobility infrastructure, customisable in colour and graphics (logo or client name) and connectable to the internet for remote monitoring.
Where it makes sense to install it
The Smart Pergola works best where people already stop or change mode: start/end of a cycleway, park entrance, university campus, corporate site, campsite, tourist hub or park-and-ride. In those places charging is a visible service, not a hidden accessory.
Before installation, check solar exposure, tree or building shade, accessibility, safety, drainage and space for the six positions. Even off-grid, management responsibility, usage rules and maintenance still need defining. Permits and tax incentives depend on the local context and current law: verify case by case with the municipality and, if needed, a tax advisor. There is no single nationwide rule that always waives every requirement.
- Cycleways, parks and tourist areas
- Campuses, companies and residences
- Campsites and hospitality sites
- Park-and-ride and mobility hubs
E-bike and scooter charging: compatibility
The station provides 6 charging positions. E-bikes and scooters need a 24 V or 36 V supply. It is also compatible with graphene supercapacitor batteries, which in suitable configurations can reach about 80% energy in around 15 minutes: real times depend on the pack, state of charge and environment, and must be validated on the client's vehicle or battery.
Project Vending can also supply e-bikes or scooters to pair with the pergolas, so the client evaluates an infrastructure + fleet package rather than furniture alone. That approach helps in pilot projects, corporate fleets or commercial proposals to municipalities and tourism operators.
Structure and position specifications
The reference configuration combines a contained footprint, structural weight and urban recognisability. Indicative dimensions are 2505 × 2095 × 2447 mm (W × D × H), with weight around 600 kg. Standard colour is customisable; graphic personalisation with logo and/or client name is available. A 7-inch display supports user interaction. Motion-sensor lighting is prepared to improve safety and readability at night.
| Element | Reference specification |
|---|---|
| Positions | 6 |
| Structure size | 2505 × 2095 × 2447 mm (W × D × H) |
| Weight | about 600 kg |
| Foundations | 2 concrete bases |
| Display | 7" |
| Lighting | Prepared with motion sensor |
| Vehicle voltage | 24 V or 36 V |
| Connectivity | Optional remote monitoring via internet |
| Finishes | Custom colour and graphics |
Photovoltaics and MPPT regulation
The Smart Pergola integrates monocrystalline solar panels. The documented reference configuration uses 2 panels with 460 W peak each, indicative size 2094 × 1038 × 35 mm, nominal voltage around 50 V and panel weight about 24.3 kg. Energy available to charging depends on irradiance, orientation, season and concurrent load on the positions: solar performance must always be assessed with a site survey.
Conversion is handled by a PF MPPT solar charge controller. Advanced MPPT technology and fast tracking target up to 99.5% tracking efficiency. Maximum indicated DC/DC conversion efficiency is 98.5%; at full load it can reach up to 97.2%. The algorithm reduces losses versus the maximum power point. The controller supports lead-acid and lithium batteries, with settable voltage parameters, full electronic protection and an isolated RS485 interface with protected 5 V / 200 mA output for power devices via Modbus.
| PV / MPPT element | Reference value |
|---|---|
| Panels | 2 monocrystalline |
| Peak per panel | 460 W |
| Panel size | 2094 × 1038 × 35 mm |
| Panel voltage | about 50 V |
| Panel weight | about 24.3 kg |
| MPPT tracking | up to 99.5% |
| Max DC/DC efficiency | 98.5% |
| Full-load efficiency | up to 97.2% |
| Supported batteries | Lead-acid and lithium |
| Communication | Isolated RS485 · Modbus |
These figures describe a project configuration. Peak power, layout and access can change with product updates: request the latest datasheet and installation guidance with the quote.
Monitoring, customisation and commercial offer
The pergola can connect to the internet for remote monitoring: useful for facility managers, tourism operators and municipalities that need node status without constant inspections. Graphic customisation turns the structure into a brand or institutional communication element without losing the charging function.
Commercially, the Smart Pergola works as an energy urban-furniture line: competitive market pricing versus full grid infrastructure, leaner installation where cabling is missing, and the option to pair electric vehicles. Project Vending supports project briefs, site surveys, customisation and integration with other Eco / smart-city solutions (Cordolo, battery stations, lockers).
- Define users, 24/36 V voltages and vehicle types
- Check solar exposure and shade
- Clarify management, usage rules and maintenance
- Assess connectivity and branding
- Request an updated datasheet and quote
FAQ
Does the Smart Pergola need a grid connection?
No. It is designed to run autonomously on photovoltaics. Performance depends on irradiance, orientation and load on the positions.
How many positions does it have?
The reference configuration provides 6 charging positions for e-bikes and/or scooters at 24 V or 36 V.
Is an installation permit always required?
It depends on the site and local rules. Check with the municipality or site owner; there is no automatic nationwide exemption.
Can graphene supercapacitor batteries be used?
Yes, the station is stated as compatible. Fast-charge times must be validated on the real pack and operating conditions.
Can colour and logo be customised?
Yes. Colour and graphics (logo and/or client name) can be customised during the project.
Does Project Vending also supply the vehicles?
Yes. E-bikes or scooters can be paired with the pergola for infrastructure + fleet proposals.
Ready to get started?
Request a free consultation: we'll call you back within one business day with datasheets, a quote and location advice.