Electric cars have revolutionized the way we think about transportation, providing a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. However, while electric cars are great for the environment, they still require a significant amount of energy to run. That’s where solar power comes in. In this blog, we’ll explore the question: “How to power electric cars with solar panels?”
We’ll discuss the benefits of using solar power to charge electric cars, the different types of solar charging systems available, and how to install and maintain your own solar charging station. So if you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint and powering your electric car with renewable energy, keep reading!
Solar Energy and Electric Cars: Why It Matters
We don’t have to tell you that you’re considering an electric car.
It’s a smart investment because it has some undisputed advantages. Electric car fuel is cheaper than standard internal combustion engine cars. Electric vehicles are 25% more affordable than traditional combustion engine vehicles in terms of maintenance. Last but not least, electric vehicles aren’t powered by fossil fuels.
However, if you decide to buy an electric car, will you be able to fuel it with sunlight?
We found that bundles of your electric vehicle and solar could help you save around 30% on your electricity bills.
You’ll charge your electric car every day from the local electricity supply. Depending on the mix of local electric suppliers, an electric vehicle owner can easily charge their vehicle using coal or natural gas. Ohio’s primary energy source is natural gas, then comes coal.
How Does Solar Panel Charging Work?
The solar panel method of charging your battery is renewable and sustainable. Simply, solar panels convert sunlight to electricity which is then used to charge your electric vehicle’s battery. Solar panels are often installed on the roofs or buildings of homes and businesses. These panels can be connected to all your electrical devices as well as to the grid to provide electricity for charging your EV batteries. Our panels guarantee tariffs allow excess electricity to be sold back to utilities. You can get paid to produce your own electricity. Ka-ching.
You can connect your solar panels directly to your EV charger. That means the electrons from your roof can feed your car. As you generate the power, solar panels can help you reduce your carbon footprint as well as make long-term cost savings.
Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle With Solar Energy?
Yes, solar energy can be used to fully charge an electric vehicle. A domestic Solar Photovoltaic System (Solar PV) and a solar charger will be required to charge the car’s battery. Your roof can be a perfect place for solar panels and electric vehicles.
Solar PV systems can generate electricity from sunlight, which can then power your electric car or other household appliances. A typical domestic solar PV system will produce between one and four kilowatts of power (kWp). This is enough to fully recharge an electric car that has a 40-kWh battery in just eight hours.
The amount of sunlight available to charge your electric car will vary depending on the season and weather conditions. You may need to use power from the grid in winter because there is less sunlight and cloud cover. Solar energy is an excellent way to charge your electric vehicle in a sustainable manner, even if it’s only partially charged.
How Many Solar Cells Do You Need for a Car to Be Charged?
In general, bigger batteries will require more panels. A solar professional from ESD Solar can help you determine the right size and type of system to fit your needs. An average solar panel system of 8-12 panels can charge an electric vehicle.
Are you unable to install solar panels on your roof but still want to recharge your electric vehicle using green energy? You don’t have to worry about it! You can have all your electricity sourced from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind farms, with a green electric vehicle tariff. Not only are you helping the environment by using an electric vehicle, but also you are charging it in the most sustainable manner possible. Contact us today to learn more about EV Charging with solar energy.
The Math of Hedging Against Rising Utility Charges
Assumptions:
- 30 miles driven per day
- Level 2 electric vehicle charger
- Cost of Utility Power: $.14 per kilowatt-hour | Utility Power Cost: $.14 per Kilowatt-hour
- Cost of Solar Power: $.10 per kilowatt-hour | Solar Power Cost: $.10 per Kilowatt-hour
Utility Power Charging
According to the US Department of Transportation, an average driver in America drives approximately 13,500 miles each year. That’s roughly 1,000 miles per month.
Knowing that less traveling and driving is happening, we reduced our monthly mileage to 900 miles per month. If you use a residential Level 2 electric vehicle charger, our solar expert in Cleveland Ohio calculates that there is a monthly increase in electricity usage of 2,650 kWh per home. This equates to approximately $371 per annum.
Solar Power Charging
Our solar experts do the same calculations on a solar power system, whose initial cost is finite, but which is broken down over the lifetime of the panels and the degradation over time. Solar power costs approximately $0.10 to $0.11 per kWh. You’ll pay $265 annually to charge your home battery if you drive your electric vehicle 900 miles per month and use 2,650 kWh per year at $0.10 per kWh.
Summary of the Math
Our analysis revealed that you can save up to 30% on your electricity costs if you combine your electric car and solar.
Rates can vary depending on the utility provider. The cost of electricity is lower in Ohio. We also have no peak hour charges, so there aren’t as many savings as in some other states. Our findings do not take into account the rising electricity rates that homeowners will experience over the life of their vehicle + solar panel.
The Environment: Solar Charging and Electric Vehicles
Before electric car drivers can claim they are emission-free, Ohio’s electric grid must be cleaner. We see a cleaner future for electric cars, but you can make sure your electric car is getting all the benefits of an emission-free vehicle by charging it with solar power at home.
Take the first step towards sustainable energy and lower electricity bills by scheduling a free solar assessment for your home with ESD Solar. Our team of experts is ready to help you make the switch to solar. Contact us today to receive a no-obligation solar evaluation and start saving money while reducing your carbon footprint!
