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Solar Panels & EV Charging: Everything You Need to Know
- March 8, 2024
Electric vehicles (EVs) are taking over the world (or at least its major highways). There were more than 2.13 million EVs on the road in the US in 2021, and that number has only increased in the years since.
Even with the popularity increases EVs have seen in recent years, however, charging at home can be an adjustment, especially if you’re used to driving a gas car. Add rooftop solar panels into the mix, and things get even more complex.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about powering your EV with solar panels.
How to Charge an EV With Solar Panels
Solar EV charging is a pretty simple concept. Here’s a basic overview of how it works:
- Solar Panel Installation – The first step is to install home solar panels, which generate electricity.
- Solar Inverter – Solar panels generate DC electricity, but our homes and cars are wired to use AC electricity, so a solar inverter is used to convert DC into AC electricity.
- Electrical Panel – Your electrical panels distribute solar electricity to your outlets and appliances as needed.
- Charging Your EV – Simply plug your EV into a standard outlet or an at-home charging station and, as long as your solar panels are generating electricity, the electricity generated by your solar panels will be used to charge your EV’s battery.
How easy it is to keep your EV charged with solar panels is another question. That depends on what type of charger you have, how many solar panels you install, and how often you drive.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Charge an EV?
The first question to consider is how many solar panels you should install to ensure consistent and reliable EV charging. The exact number is going to vary depending on how much you drive, how much sunlight your house gets, whether you want to charge your EV exclusively with solar power, and how much electricity you need to run the rest of your appliances and electronics. It’s safe to assume that you’ll need more solar panels for a house with an EV charger than a house without one, but it’s almost impossible to say exactly how many solar panels you’ll need without more information about your house, electricity consumption, and driving habits.
Solar Power Pros makes it easy to get a fast, free estimate. Just answer a few simple questions and we’ll use your answers, alongside satellite imagery of your roof, to deliver an estimate in seconds.
What Happens at Night?
The biggest drawback to solar panels is that they only work when the sun is shining. So what happens if you want to charge your car overnight or when it’s cloudy out? That’s where solar battery storage comes in. A solar battery is a device that can store the excess electricity your solar panels generate during the day so you always have a backup power bank you can tap into when your solar panels are not producing electricity. With solar panels, a solar battery, and an EV charging station, you’ll have a full ecosystem that puts you in complete control of your own power.
Why Get Solar If You Have an EV?
If you’re one of the forward-thinkers driving an electric car (or thinking about buying one) solar EV charging is a no-brainer. It’s the cleanest and most affordable way to charge your EV so you can save money while doing your part for the planet.
- Cost Savings – The upfront cost of installing solar panels and an EV charging system may seem significant, but it will lead to long-term cost savings. With solar panels and an EV charging station, you’ll save money on your monthly electric bills and could eliminate your fuel costs for driving altogether. Plus, you’ll save on installation costs with the 30% federal tax credit for solar panels and battery storage.
- Environmental Benefits – Driving an EV is better for the environment than driving a gas-powered car, but if you’re charging with dirty electricity, you’re not fully green. By charging your EV with solar power, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
- Energy Independence – The less you rely on outside sources for fuel, the more self-sufficient you’ll be. As the grid continues to age and weather conditions worsen, setting yourself up for energy independence is a smart decision that will protect you against power outages and fuel shortages.
Solar & EV Charging Experts in Colorado
Solar Power Pros is the trusted authority on whole-home solar ecosystems in Colorado with over 10 years of experience installing solar panels in Denver and throughout the Front Range. We install custom solar energy systems with fully integrated battery storage and EV chargers so you can get everything you need under one roof. We are a local, straightforward solar installer and will help you make the best decision for your home, no matter what.
