In Q2 2023, SEEDiA successfully deployed a fully energy-independent solar canopy in the city of Stefan Voda, located in southern Moldova. The solar panels and batteries installed will enable the city to achieve a 100% reduction in energy costs compared to traditional bus stops. Equipped with an intelligent lighting system, the canopy conserves energy by reducing light intensity by several tens of percent when no one is present at the bus stop. As part of the project’s vision for a Smart City, air quality and noise sensors have been installed. A WiFi hotspot provides free internet access to public transportation users, while multifunctional benches with USB charging ports and wireless chargers enhance the comfort of travelers.
The deployment also features an e-paper display and a management system provided by https://incity.io/, allowing for the complete automation of scheduling and public information management. Additionally, through the InCity.io platform, the authorities of Stefan Voda can monitor real-time data from the sensors to promptly address local challenges, better understand the needs of residents, and make informed decisions.
A new addition to SEEDiA’s implementation is a rainwater collection gutter used for irrigation, supporting a 1000-liter rain garden (large retention planter) adjacent to the bus canopy. This system effectively retains and stores water, reducing air temperature and decreasing the number of dust particles in the air.