FSU Sustainability Fellow Jonus Goldstein Pioneers Solar-Powered EV Charging Project at Tall Timbers
Partner: Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy
Project: Tall Timbers Solar Powered EV Charging Stations
Student: Jonus Goldstein
Introduction to the Sustainability Fellowship
Jonus Goldstein, a second-year student at Florida State University majoring in Management Information Systems and Political Science with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning, served as a Sustainability Fellow for the Fall 2024 semester. Partnering with Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy, Goldstein’s project focused on designing and implementing solar-powered Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, a key step to creating more sustainable infrastructure for the organization.
Building on his prior experience as a Spring 2024 Sustainability Fellow, where he worked on renewable energy systems for the City of Tallahassee (read more here), Goldstein brought a wealth of expertise to this new challenge. His work addressed the absence of EV infrastructure at Tall Timbers. Being in a remote area, creative solutions were required to overcome logistical hurdles like frequent power outages and critical system reliability, while ensuring that employees and visitors could safely charge their electric vehicles.
Addressing the Need for EV Charging at Tall Timbers
Working closely with Wayne Miller, the Facilities Coordinator at Tall Timbers, Goldstein conducted a site analysis to evaluate the property's solar potential and identify optimal locations for EV chargers. Tall Timbers, known for its dedication to conservation and environmental stewardship, faced challenges with unsafe charging practices, such as reliance on extension cords. Goldstein’s role was to research and propose an EV charging solution that aligned with the organization’s sustainability mission while meeting operational needs. After thorough analysis, he identified the Beam EV ARC™ system as the most effective solution.
Why the Beam EV ARC System is the Perfect Solution
The Beam EV ARC™ system offers several key benefits, making the solution ideal for Tall Timbers:
- Fully off-grid design eliminates the need for construction, permits, or electrical work for installation.
- The system generates 100% renewable energy, providing up to 265 e-miles of charge daily.
- Designed to meet ADA standards, the charging station ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities by providing easy and equitable access. Additionally, the resilient design supports functionality during grid outages and adaptability for future sustainability initiatives at Tall Timbers.
Goldstein presented the solution to Dr. Morgan Varner, Director of Research, and Dr. William E. Palmer, President and CEO of Tall Timbers, emphasizing how the Beam EV ARC system aligns with the organization's sustainability goals. His proposal included leveraging federal tax incentives, such as the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, to significantly reduce project costs. He also outlined a phased implementation plan, which involved securing board approval, preparing the site, deploying the EV ARC system, and tracking performance for future expansion. 
This project allowed Goldstein to combine his passion for sustainability and technology, offering a meaningful opportunity to make an impact while collaborating with Wayne Miller, Kim Sash, and the leadership at Tall Timbers. He found the experience of working with a non-profit organization particularly insightful, gaining a deeper understanding of the balance between environmental goals and operational realities.
Long-Term Impact and Future Plans for Sustainability
Though his fellowship has concluded, Goldstein remains deeply committed to seeing this project through to fruition. His ongoing collaboration with Tall Timbers ensures the successful deployment and integration of the Beam EV ARC system into the organization’s daily operations. By maintaining this connection, Goldstein continues to provide valuable support, tracking the system’s performance and advising on future expansions.
The work of Jonus Goldstein has not only addressed the immediate need for safe and sustainable EV charging solutions at Tall Timbers but also established a scalable model for other conservation organizations. His contributions reflect his dedication to driving impactful change through innovative sustainable infrastructure projects. For more details about this project by Jonus Goldstein, access the full project deliverables here.
To learn more about the Sustainability Fellows program, visit sustainablecampus.fsu.edu/sustainability-fellows.