ShadeCharger Solar-Powered Picnic Tables
ShadeCharger turns outdoor seating into a self-contained solar-powered workstation with AC power, USB charging and shade — without requiring utility power at the table location.
- 110V GFCI outlets
- USB device charging
- Solar shade structure
- Battery-backed options
- Complete-table or add-on configurations
- Schools, parks, campuses & public spaces
Solar Power Built Into the Outdoor Table
The ShadeCharger concept combines an overhead solar shade, electrical equipment and user-accessible outlets to turn an outdoor table into a solar-powered workstation.
Power is produced directly above the seating area and delivered to standard connections at the table surface. That allows phones, laptops and other compatible devices to be charged without installing a conventional electrical circuit at the table.
SunnyCal has developed ShadeCharger as both a complete-table system and as an add-in concept for qualifying heavy-duty tables.
A Real SunnyCal Product — Not Just a Concept
ShadeCharger has been developed, photographed, documented and installed in real outdoor environments.
The SunnyCal media library includes ShadeCharger installations, engineering drawings, table datasheets, charging hardware, delivery photos and product video dating back several years.
That history is important: this is a developed specialty-solar product with multiple table and shade configurations behind it.
From Sunlight to Useful Power at the Table
The ShadeCharger system keeps the solar generation, electrical equipment and user connections close to the outdoor space being powered.
Solar Shade
The overhead modules generate electricity while also providing useful shade over the table.
Power Equipment
Electrical equipment within the ShadeCharger system manages solar power for the available table loads.
Optional Storage
Battery-equipped configurations store solar energy for use beyond periods of direct solar production.
Power at the Table
Users access AC and USB charging from connections located at the table itself.
The Original Battery-Equipped ShadeCharger System
SunnyCal's existing ShadeCharger documentation describes a battery-equipped module using a 600W solar array and a 1,440Wh lithium battery.
The same documentation lists a nominal 600W supported load. Actual power availability depends on available sunlight, battery state, connected load and how long that load operates.
These specifications describe the documented ShadeCharger module. Final equipment and options should always be confirmed for the table being ordered.
Documented ShadeCharger Module
More Than a USB Charging Bench
SunnyCal's ShadeCharger documentation includes a broader set of user features than simple phone charging.
AC Power and USB Charging Where People Are Sitting
One of ShadeCharger's biggest differences is that it does not stop at low-power USB charging.
SunnyCal's original ShadeCharger specifications include two 110V GFCI outlets along with six USB outlets, allowing the table to support a wider range of compatible devices.
- Phones and tablets
- Laptop charging
- Cameras and small electronics
- Multiple users at one table
- Weather-protected outdoor receptacle hardware
Daytime Power or Battery-Backed Operation
The right configuration depends on when the table will be used and what equipment customers expect to power.
Solar Charging During Daylight Hours
A daytime-oriented configuration can provide useful charging without the cost and complexity of a larger battery system.
- Good fit for schools and daytime facilities
- Solar power generated at the table
- AC and USB user connections
- No utility feed required for normal operation
Store Solar Energy for Extended Operation
Battery-equipped ShadeCharger configurations can store solar energy for periods when solar production is reduced or unavailable.
- 1,440Wh battery documented for the original module
- Supports extended charging availability
- Supports lighting options
- Runtime depends on actual connected loads
ShadeCharger Applications
ShadeCharger works best where people spend time outdoors and electrical charging would otherwise require new infrastructure.
Schools
Outdoor study, lunch and learning spaces with power available for student and staff devices.
Colleges & Universities
Solar-powered outdoor seating for campuses, courtyards and student gathering areas.
Parks
Shaded seating and device charging for public parks and recreation areas.
Libraries
Extend study and work areas outdoors without having to locate every table beside existing electrical infrastructure.
Sports Facilities
Charging and shaded seating beside fields, ballparks and recreation facilities.
Civic & Commercial Spaces
A visible solar amenity for public facilities, campuses and outdoor common areas.
Choose How You Want ShadeCharger Configured
ShadeCharger is broader than a single concrete picnic-table model. SunnyCal's product history includes complete tables, the ShadeCharger module itself and ShadeCharger-ready table options.
Cafe 1
Round-table ShadeCharger configuration designed as a complete outdoor solar charging station.
View Cafe 1 →
Yosemite
Rectangular ShadeCharger configuration for larger picnic-table seating and commercial or institutional outdoor spaces.
View Yosemite →
ShadeCharger Module
SunnyCal's original documentation states that ShadeCharger can also be supplied as an add-in for an existing heavy-duty table weighing at least 1,100 lb.
Table condition, weight, mounting and compatibility should be reviewed before selecting an add-on configuration.
View ShadeCharger Module →
ShadeCharger-Ready Tables
SunnyCal's product history also includes concrete and poly-coated steel tables prepared for ShadeCharger configurations.
The documented 8 ft rectangular steel table can use a larger three-module overhead shade, while the 4 ft round table can use a two-module shade.
Ask About ShadeCharger-Ready Tables →Built Around Substantial Tables and Outdoor Hardware
ShadeCharger was developed around heavy commercial outdoor tables, not lightweight patio furniture.
The original SunnyCal documentation describes concrete-table configurations, galvanized structural components and weather-protected electrical hardware.
Rather than making a blanket wind claim for every model and site, the specific table, shade configuration, ballast and project conditions should be considered.
Yosemite Weighted Pedestal
SunnyCal's Yosemite documentation uses a weighted shade pedestal below the table to increase wind tolerance.
Galvanized Structure
The ShadeCharger support structure uses galvanized steel components intended for exterior exposure.
Weather-Protected Outlets
The existing product information describes weather-resistant outlet boxes and protective covers for outdoor receptacles.
Heavy Tables
Concrete configurations use substantial table weight as part of the overall outdoor structure and stability strategy.
Concrete and Poly-Coated Steel Options
SunnyCal's ShadeCharger documentation includes both concrete and poly-coated steel table configurations.
The historical concrete table documentation lists Sequoia Sand as the standard color and also shows additional special-order color options.
Because product finishes and table availability can change, current colors should be confirmed at the time of order.
ShadeCharger Datasheets & Drawings
SunnyCal has existing technical documentation for the ShadeCharger product family, including datasheets and mechanical drawings.
Existing SunnyCal product datasheet for the Cafe 1 solar-powered picnic table.
View Cafe 1 Datasheet →Existing SunnyCal product datasheet for the Yosemite ShadeCharger configuration.
View Yosemite Datasheet →Mechanical drawing for the Cafe 1 ShadeCharger solar picnic table.
View Mechanical Drawing →Complete Tables Can Arrive Ready for Placement
SunnyCal's existing ShadeCharger documentation describes complete tables as being shipped assembled so they can be placed into use without building the solar system on site.
These are heavy commercial tables, so proper unloading and handling equipment is important.
Existing SunnyCal product information specifically notes that the tables can be moved with a standard forklift.
- Complete assembled table configurations
- Forklift handling for heavy units
- No utility power connection required at the table
- Can be repositioned when site needs change
- Freight requirements vary by destination
Start With How the Table Will Actually Be Used
The right ShadeCharger configuration depends on the location, table style, number of users, expected operating hours, loads and whether power is needed after sunset.
SunnyCal can help determine whether the project is better suited to a complete Cafe 1 or Yosemite table, a ShadeCharger add-on or another ShadeCharger-ready configuration.
- Project location
- Number of tables
- Round or rectangular preference
- Complete table or existing-table retrofit
- Expected hours of use
- Devices or loads expected at the table
- Need for battery-backed power
- Need for lighting
- Wi-Fi or speaker interest
- Delivery and forklift access
Solar-Powered Picnic Table Questions
What is a ShadeCharger?
Does ShadeCharger require utility electrical power?
What electrical outlets does ShadeCharger provide?
How large is the ShadeCharger solar array?
How much battery storage does ShadeCharger have?
How much power can a ShadeCharger table support?
Does ShadeCharger have lighting?
Can ShadeCharger provide Wi-Fi?
Does ShadeCharger include Bluetooth speakers?
Is ShadeCharger only available as a complete table?
What is the difference between Cafe 1 and Yosemite?
Can a ShadeCharger table be moved?
Put Solar Power Where People Already Sit, Work and Gather
Whether you need complete solar-powered picnic tables or want to discuss another ShadeCharger configuration, tell SunnyCal where the tables will be used, what needs to be powered and how many you need.