Introduction to EV Charging with Solar
Charging an EV with solar is not a futuristic concept—it’s happening now and gaining daily popularity. As the simplest and cheapest option available, solar-powered EV charging gives you full control over your charging time and costs, eliminating the need to wait at public charging stations or rely on expensive gas, which is 81% more costly than the combination of an EV and solar.
If you already have a solar system, adding a home EV charging station is straightforward. But even if you’re purchasing an EV before installing solar, the investment makes perfect sense. Adding solar to your home can reduce your electricity bill by an average of 20-30%, lock in the cheapest EV charging cost for the next 25 years, and significantly lower your overall expenses.
While driving an EV is already better for the environment than a combustion engine car, your environmental impact isn’t fully minimized if you’re still using grid energy to charge it. Solar, the most abundant and reliable energy source, is projected to generate 40% of electricity in the U.S. by 2035. When paired with an energy storage system, it ensures peace of mind and a fully charged vehicle even during power outages or grid emergencies.
This article will explore why solar is the cheapest and most convenient option for charging your EV, outperforming even home charging from the grid. We’ll also guide you through the steps to integrate these two green technologies and highlight the incentives available for purchasing an EV, installing a home EV charging station, and powering it with a solar system.
How Can You Charge an EV with Solar?
Level 2 Chargers: The Best Option for EV Charging at Home
Installing a Level 2 charging station is the most efficient and reliable option to charge an electric vehicle (EV) at your home. While you still can use a Level 1 charging station with a standard 120V outlet, it is no longer efficient. Level 2 chargers provide 240V power and can fully charge an electric vehicle in 6–14 hours.
Prices for Level 2 chargers range from $700 to over $1,800 for home installations, but they are a worthwhile investment. Level 2 chargers are gentler on the battery, reducing the risk of degradation over time.
Charging an EV with Solar Panels: The Power of Solar Inverters
With the proper setup, charging an EV at home using solar panels is effortless. The key component is a solar inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into the alternating current (AC) electricity needed to charge your EV battery. The inverter ensures that the energy your solar panels capture from the sun can efficiently power your vehicle.
Charging your EV with solar allows you to fuel your car with renewable energy from your rooftop, completely bypassing the grid. This saves you money and further reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, making your EV truly green.
The Role of Battery Storage in Solar Charging
One of the challenges of charging an EV with solar panels is the mismatch between when solar energy is produced and when it’s needed. Solar power is generated during daylight hours, while EV owners typically charge their vehicles overnight. This is where battery storage comes into play.
A battery energy storage system allows you to store the excess energy your solar panels generate during the day and use it at night when you charge your EV. With advanced battery technology, like the Tesla Powerwall 3, you can back up your entire home with just one battery. The Powerwall 3 features safer battery chemistry, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway and ensuring a safer and more reliable energy storage solution. Integrating energy storage into your solar-powered EV charging setup ensures that your vehicle always has clean, renewable energy, even when the sun isn’t shining.
Incentives are available for installing solar systems, battery storage, and EV charging stations at home, which we’ll discuss in full later in this article.
Benefits of Charging EV at Home
Below, we’ll explore how solar energy can reduce your charging costs, minimize your carbon footprint, and provide greater energy independence.
Home Solar: The Cheapest Way to Power a Car
Charging your EV at home with solar power is the most cost-effective method. According to SolarReviews, the levelized cost of solar energy is approximately $0.06 per kWh, significantly lower than the cost of grid power or public charging stations. Here’s a cost comparison:
| Charging Method | Cost per kWh | Annual Cost (13,500 miles) |
| Home Solar | $0.06 | $235 |
| Home Grid Power | $0.10 – $0.40 | $626 |
| Public EV Charger | $0.31 – $0.69 | $1,762 |
| Gasoline (13,500 miles) | – | $1,570 |
Solar is the Cleanest Way to Charge an EV
Charging your EV with solar energy ensures your driving is 100% carbon-free. Here’s a comparison of the environmental impact:
| Charging Method | CO2 Emissions (lbs per Year) |
| Home Solar | 321 |
| Home Grid Power | 1,837 |
| Public EV Charger | 1,837 |
| Gasoline (13,500 miles) | 8,135 |
Become Energy Independent
Energy independence is one of the most compelling reasons to pair your EV charger with solar panels. Installing a solar system locks in your electricity costs for 25 years. This long-term stability is desirable in the face of rising utility rates, which have increased by an average of 3% annually.
Convenience of Charging EV at Home
Range anxiety is one of the most significant barriers to EV ownership. Many potential EV owners worry about the availability of charging stations. You can alleviate these concerns by installing a solar-powered EV charging station at home.
Imagine waking up every morning to a fully charged vehicle without ever needing to visit a public charging or gas station again. This convenience and significantly lower electricity bills make home solar charging the best option for EV owners.
Modern solar systems and EV chargers can be integrated with smart home technology, allowing you to monitor and optimize energy usage.
Challenges in Charging an EV with Solar
While charging your electric vehicle (EV) with solar power offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges of this setup. Understanding them will help you make informed decisions and optimize your solar energy system for maximum efficiency.
Variability of Solar Power
One of the primary challenges in solar EV charging is the variability of solar power. The energy produced by solar panels fluctuates based on sunlight exposure, which varies throughout the day and across seasons. This variability means that the power generated by your solar panels may not always match the demand of your EV’s charging needs.
To overcome this, solar panel installations require an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) generated by the panels into alternating current (AC), which can be used to power your home appliances and charge your EV via an AC charging station.
System’s Efficiency: Finding a Good Contractor
Ensure your solar system operates efficiently, especially in areas where net metering policies have been altered or eliminated, such as those served by GRU and JEA. In these regions, it’s vital to calculate the right system size and battery backup capacity to maximize energy offset without overproducing. Overproduction in a post-net-metering scenario could lead to wasted energy and lost savings.
In contrast, customers in Duke Energy and FPL service areas can still benefit from net metering, making energy storage a less-required component. However, an efficient system setup is essential to optimize your production-consumption ratio even in these areas.
Choosing a reliable solar installer is essential, given the complexity of designing an efficient solar EV charging system. Many large-scale solar companies are exiting the market this year because they cannot support local needs. PPM Solar advises you to choose local solar installers with an established and proven track record of successful projects in your area. We recommend reading our article on how to choose the best solar contractor in Florida for further guidance.
Cost of Charging an EV with Solar
The cost to install an EV charger at home and pair it with the solar system can be significant, but consider the long-term savings and available incentives. Solar energy incentives, such as the Federal Tax Credit, can reduce your system cost by at least 30%. Additionally, state and local utility rebates for installing a home EV charging station may further decrease the upfront expense and shorten your time to payback.
PPM Solar also offers low-interest loans through partnerships with banks that fund solar projects. Your loan payments will likely be lower than your current electricity bill, and the average payback period is 5-7 years.
Integrating Solar Panels with EV Charger: how it works
Integrating solar panels with an EV charging station at home involves a series of technical steps to ensure your electric vehicle (EV) is charged efficiently. Below, we’ll walk through the process using two examples: a Tesla Model 3 and a Hyundai Ioniq 5 to demonstrate the components required and how the system operates.
Tesla Model 3 Charging Setup
Components Needed:
- Solar Panels: For a Tesla Model 3, you’ll need enough panels to generate around 4,000 kWh per year for charging alone. The number of panels will vary based on each panel’s specific output and your house’s overall energy consumption.
- Inverter: Tesla’s Powerwall 3 has a built-in inverter, simplifying the setup by converting DC power from the solar panels to AC power for home use, including EV charging.
- Level 2 Charger: Tesla Wall Connector (240V) – A Level 2 charger is recommended for home use, as it can fully charge a Tesla Model 3 in about 6-8 hours. This charger can be installed directly at home and is designed to work seamlessly with Tesla vehicles.
- Battery Storage (Optional): Tesla Powerwall 3 stores excess solar energy generated during the day, allowing you to charge your Tesla Model 3 at night or during periods of low sunlight.
How It Works:
- Daytime Charging: During the day, your solar panels generate electricity, which the inverter converts to AC power. This power is used to charge your Tesla Model 3 through the Tesla Wall Connector. The excess energy can be stored in the Tesla Powerwall 3 if you’re not home.
- Nighttime Charging: At night or during cloudy days when solar production is low, the Tesla Powerwall 3 can discharge stored energy to continue charging your car. This setup ensures your vehicle is fully charged by morning without relying on the grid.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Charging Setup
Components Needed:
- Solar Panels: Similar to the Tesla setup, you’ll need a solar array that generates around 4,000 kWh per year for EV charging. The number of panels will vary based on each panel’s specific output.
- Inverter: A standard solar inverter is required to convert DC power from the solar panels to AC power for household use, including charging your Hyundai Ioniq 5.
- Level 2 Charger: A third-party Level 2 charger (240V) – The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is compatible with many Level 2 chargers, such as the JuiceBox 40, ChargePoint Home Flex, and Grizzl-E Classic, which can fully charge the vehicle in about 6-10 hours.
- Battery Storage (Optional): A battery storage system, such as the Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase energy storage, or another compatible storage option, can store excess solar energy for use during non-peak solar hours.
How It Works:
- Daytime Charging: The solar panels generate electricity during the day, which the inverter converts to AC power. This power is then used to charge your Hyundai Ioniq 5 through the Level 2 charger.
- Nighttime Charging: If you need to charge your car at night, the battery storage system will provide the necessary power, drawing from the energy stored during the day. This reduces the need to pull electricity from the grid.
Both setups require solar panels, an inverter, and a Level 2 charger. Battery storage can be added for increased efficiency and energy independence. Integrating solar panels with EV charging is straightforward, especially when using a system designed for your specific vehicle.
Calculating Power Needs and Cost of Pairing an EV with Solar
When planning to charge your EV with solar energy, it’s essential to understand your vehicle’s energy consumption and how to size your solar system properly. Whether you’re purchasing an EV first or already have a solar system in place, contact us to determine how many solar panels you’ll need to offset your EV charging.
EV Energy Consumption
Electric vehicles vary in energy consumption depending on the model, driving habits, and geographic location. For example, a Nissan LEAF with a 62 kWh battery might need about 10 kWh of electricity daily if you drive 37 miles daily. Similarly, if you own a Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 5, these models will have different energy needs based on their battery size and range.
Required Solar Capacity
To give you an idea, let’s consider a scenario with the Tesla Model 3 mentioned above:
The Tesla Model 3 consumes approximately 3.33 miles per kWh. For the average driver, covering about 13,476 miles annually translates to about 4,047 kWh of electricity needed each year to fully charge the vehicle.
Solar Panel Requirements
To calculate the number of solar panels required, let’s assume you’re using standard 400-watt solar panels, which produce about 2 kWh of electricity per day under optimal conditions.
- Daily EV Usage: The Tesla Model 3 requires approximately 11.1 kWh daily (13,476 miles per year / 365 days * 3.33 miles per kWh).
- Number of Panels: To meet this daily demand, you would need about six 400-watt solar panels (11.1 kWh / 2 kWh per panel = 5.55 panels, rounded to 6).
The required number of solar panels for other vehicles will vary. For instance, you might need only five premium 400-watt panels to charge the same Nissan LEAF.
If your home already has a solar system, PPM Solar can help determine if additional panels are necessary to cover your EV’s energy needs.
Cost Comparison: Solar vs. Grid Energy
Charging your EV with solar panels is environmentally friendly and economically advantageous. The levelized cost of solar energy in states like Florida is around $0.06 per kWh, significantly lower than the average grid electricity cost, which ranges between $0.10 and $0.40 per kWh.
- Annual Charging Cost with Solar: At $0.06 per kWh, charging your Tesla Model 3 using solar energy would cost about $243 per year (4,047 kWh * $0.06).
- Annual Charging Cost with Grid Energy: Using grid electricity at an average cost of $0.15 per kWh, the annual cost would be about $607 (4,047 kWh * $0.15).
When building your solar power solution, it’s important to incorporate your home energy use in addition to the consumption of your EV. A well-designed solar system should cover your household energy needs, including EV charging.
Bidirectional Charging: Power Your Home with EV Battery
The future of EV charging is here, with bidirectional chargers set to revolutionize how we use electric vehicles. These chargers allow you to use your EV’s battery to power your home during grid emergencies or power outages. As the technology matures, many companies, including industry leaders like Enphase, SolarEdge, and GM Energy, are achieving UL 9741 certification and preparing to launch these chargers in 2024.
How Bidirectional Charging Works
Bidirectional EV chargers enable energy to flow both ways, allowing you to charge your EV from the grid or solar panels and, when needed, draw power from your EV to supply your home. This technology is precious during power outages, providing an alternative energy source for your household.
Benefits of Bidirectional Charging
The concept of using your EV as a home battery is a game-changer. The potential energy capacity is enormous, with the average EV battery holding the equivalent of about eight Powerwalls.
As the market for bidirectional chargers grows, PPM Solar is ready to help you navigate this new technology. While the technology has not yet been released, our team is prepared to assist with installing EV2H systems once they are available. If you’re interested in this technology, keep your finger on the pulse or contact PPM Solar to let us know. We’ll be happy to inform you as soon as bidirectional chargers become available for purchase and installation.
Requirements for EV2H Installation
To implement bidirectional charging, your home requires a Transfer Switch similar to those used for backup generators. The switch, like the Tesla Gateway or Enphase Smartswitch, isolates your home from the grid during power outages, creating a backup microgrid. Such a setup ensures that your home can draw power from your EV’s battery just as it would from a solar-plus-storage system.
Leveraging Government Incentives
When considering solar EV charging, currently available government incentives can significantly reduce the overall cost of your investment.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
The Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. This credit applies to the solar panels themselves and associated equipment like inverters and energy storage systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall 3.
Federal Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles
In addition to solar incentives, the Federal Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles provide up to $7,500 for a new clean vehicle or up to $4,000 for a used clean vehicle. However, these credits come with specific eligibility criteria, including income restrictions and requirements related to battery components and minerals. Consult with a qualified CPA or tax professional to confirm your eligibility for these credits.
Utility Rebates for Electric Cars and Chargers in Florida
Florida residents can benefit from various utility rebates for electric cars and EV chargers:
- Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): Offers a $200 rebate to residential customers who purchase or lease an eligible new or preowned EV.
- Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA): Provides a $100 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger at home. A licensed electrical contractor must carry out the installation and comply with state and local codes.
- Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA): Offers up to $300 for pre-wiring to support a Level 2 EV charger.
- Florida Power & Light (FPL): The Evolution Home program includes electrical upgrades and a Level 2 EV charger installation for a flat monthly fee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Solar for EV Charging
A straightforward, step-by-step process to ensure your installation is successful and cost-effective. Here’s how to get started:
1. Assess Your Energy Needs
Begin by understanding how much energy your EV will require. This involves calculating your vehicle’s daily energy consumption and determining how many solar panels you’ll need to offset this usage. If you already have a solar system, consider whether you’ll need to expand it to accommodate your EV’s charging needs. Consulting with a solar energy expert can help you get accurate figures tailored to your situation.
2. Choose a Trusted Installer
Look for a company with a strong track record in your area, preferably one that has handled similar residential projects. A good installer will provide a customized proposal, considering your vehicle model, home size, and overall energy consumption, ensuring your system is designed to meet your needs efficiently.
3. Installation Process
Once you’ve chosen your installer, the installation process begins. This typically involves the following steps:
- Site Assessment: The installer visits your property to assess roof condition, sun exposure, and other factors that could impact the system’s performance.
- System Design: Based on the assessment, the installer designs a solar system tailored to your energy needs.
- Permitting and Approval: Your installer will handle the permits and approvals required by local authorities.
- Installation: The solar panels, inverters, and EV charging station are installed, followed by a final inspection to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
4. Best Practices
To get the most out of your solar EV charging setup, follow these best practices:
Monitor Your System: Regularly check the performance of your solar panels and EV charger to ensure they are operating efficiently. Many systems come with monitoring apps that make this easy.
Schedule Regular Maintenance: Keep your system in top condition with periodic inspections and cleanings, especially in Florida’s sunny and sometimes stormy climate.
Stay Informed: Monitor emerging technologies, such as bidirectional chargers, and consider upgrading as new advancements become available.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Charging Your EV with Solar Energy?
Absolutely. Charging your EV with solar energy is over 74% cheaper than grid power and 81% cheaper than public charging stations. With solar panels lasting 25 to 30 years, you can lock in low energy costs and avoid rising electricity prices. Plus, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
PPM Solar is a certified solar and electrical contractor in Florida, serving the local market for over 15 years. We’re the most reviewed local contractor with the highest customer ratings and are dedicated to quality and reliability. Let us help you switch to solar-powered EV charging efficiently and affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can charging an electric car with a solar panel save money?
Yes, charging an electric car with solar panels can save significant money over time. By generating your own electricity, you avoid rising grid energy costs, which average about $0.15 per kWh and are expected to continue increasing. The long-term cost of producing solar energy can be as low as $0.06 per kWh, making it substantially cheaper. Additionally, the Federal Solar Tax Credit and various state incentives can further reduce your upfront investment, leading to even greater savings over the lifespan of your solar and EV setup.
Can I charge my EV directly from solar panels?
While technically possible, directly charging an EV from solar panels is not recommended due to the inconsistent nature of solar energy production. Solar panels generate DC electricity, which must be converted to AC using an inverter before it can charge an EV. Additionally, without a battery storage system in non-net metering areas, excess solar energy generated during peak sunlight hours could be lost if not used immediately. To optimize charging, you should integrate your solar panels with an inverter and possibly a battery storage system, ensuring consistent and reliable power for your EV.
How many solar panels do I need to charge an EV?
The number of solar panels needed to charge an EV depends on factors like your vehicle’s battery size, your daily driving habits, and the efficiency of the solar panels. On average, you would need between 5 to 12 solar panels to fully offset the energy required to charge an EV. For example, a Tesla Model 3 with a 75 kWh battery might require around 10 panels if you drive about 13,500 miles annually. However, this estimate can vary, so consulting with a solar expert can provide a more accurate calculation tailored to your needs.
Can I still charge my EV efficiently with solar on cloudy days?
On cloudy days, solar panels produce less electricity due to reduced sunlight. However, if your system includes a battery storage unit, you can store excess energy produced on sunny days to use when production is low. Additionally, your EV can still be charged using grid power as a backup, ensuring you never run out of energy. While solar energy production is lower on cloudy days, a well-designed solar-plus-storage system can still meet your charging needs consistently.
Is solar charging faster or slower than grid charging?
Solar charging itself is not inherently faster or slower than grid charging. The speed of charging depends on the type of charger you use—Level 2 chargers, whether powered by solar or grid energy, typically charge an EV at the same rate. However, if your solar system is not producing enough energy at the moment of charging (e.g., during cloudy weather), the system might draw additional power from the grid, which could affect charging times slightly. In most cases, with a properly sized system, solar charging should be as efficient as grid charging.
What is the cheapest way to charge an electric car?
The cheapest way to charge an electric car is by using home solar panels. Over time, the cost of producing electricity from solar can be as low as $0.06 per kWh, compared to grid electricity, which can cost $0.15 per kWh or more. By generating your own solar power, you avoid fluctuating utility rates and benefit from a fixed, lower cost per kWh over the 25-30 year lifespan of your solar panels.
Can I charge my electric vehicle for free?
You can essentially charge your electric vehicle for free if your solar panels generate more electricity than you use in your home, allowing the surplus to be directed to your EV. After the initial investment in solar panels and charging equipment, any electricity generated from your solar system doesn’t incur additional costs, making EV charging free. However, this depends on your solar panel capacity, overall energy consumption, and whether you have battery storage to maximize energy usage.
Can I use existing solar panels to charge my EV?
Yes, you can use existing solar panels to charge your EV, but you may need to assess whether your current system generates enough power to cover both your household energy needs and your EV’s charging requirements. If not, you might consider adding more panels or integrating a battery storage system to maximize efficiency and ensure that you can charge your EV even when solar production is low.
What are the maintenance requirements for a solar EV charging system?
A solar EV charging system requires minimal maintenance. The main tasks include regularly cleaning the solar panels to ensure they are free of dust and debris and periodically checking the inverter and battery storage system to ensure they are functioning correctly. It’s also recommended to have a professional inspect your system every few years to ensure optimal performance. Battery storage systems, like Tesla Powerwall, may require software updates, which are typically done automatically. Overall, solar EV charging systems are low-maintenance and designed for long-term reliability.
