Can You Charge an Electric Car with Solar Panels?

As consumers want to do their part in protecting our environment while also saving some big bucks, the question often is; can you charge an electric car with solar panels? And the answer is a resounding yes! This is good news as electric vehicles are starting to go mainstream in the U.S. as people realize that these cars can save big money on gas and repairs.

Highlights & Key Takeaways

• Charging your EV with solar panels can save you money and reduce carbon emissions.
• Consider weather requirements and panel efficiency when using solar to charge an EV.
• The cost of a home EV charging station varies depending on the level of charging and installation needs.
• Smart charging stations can optimize charging times based on solar panel output and energy demand.

Can You Charge an Electric Car with Solar Panels?

Most households across the globe rely on the electric grid for their energy needs, with electrical services provided by a local utility or energy company billed accordingly. However, solar panels enable homeowners to generate their energy and use it to power their homes instead of purchasing it from the grid. In addition to powering homes, solar panels can also be used to charge electric vehicles (EVs), just as they power household lighting.

How Does Solar Energy Work with EV Charging?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, powering appliances, lighting, and even your electric vehicle. There are various methods to link solar panels with an EV charger. One option is using a specialized solar charger specifically for charging EVs. These chargers are typically installed on your home's roof and are directly connected to the EV charger. Alternatively, one can use a grid-tied solar system connected to the electrical grid, where the solar panels generate electricity sent to the EV charger through the grid.

How Much Energy Do You Need for an Electric Car?

The electricity you need for your home EV charger will depend on your EV’s battery size and driving behavior. If you don’t drive that much, you won’t need as much electricity as someone who does a lot of driving. But as a good rule of thumb, consider that Americans drive about 13,476 miles per year on average. This means about 36.92 miles per day. And that calculates out to approximately 353.3 kWh per month and 4,310.65 kWh per year.

How Many Solar Panels Are Required to Charge an Electric Car Battery?

Most homes require between 17 and 21 solar panels, and costs after credits can range from $16,870 to $23,170. As such, most people must look into solar panel loans to finance their installations. And, in most situations, you will need about five to 12 solar panels to charge your EV.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car with Solar Panels?

Using home rooftop solar to charge an electric car in the U.S. costs only $415 annually, which is significantly less compared to $662 spent on grid power at home each year and $1,058 annually with a public EV charger. The study further states that filling a gas car's tank can cost as much as $1,260 annually. The study's findings demonstrate that utilizing solar energy to charge an EV is a more cost-effective option than traditional methods of powering vehicles.

Can You Use a Regular EV Charger with Solar Panel Charging?

A regular EV charger can charge an electric vehicle with solar panel energy. However, a photovoltaic (PV) inverter unit is required to convert that solar energy into useful electricity. Most solar panel installations have an inverter, but it's still worth double-checking. The inverter transforms the current from DC to AC, allowing you to power your home and devices with electricity from the panels. On the other hand, EV home chargers use AC, which is why a PV inverter unit is necessary.

When Is the Best Time to Charge an EV with Solar Panels?

When it comes to charging your electric vehicle, the optimal time depends on your objective: 

• Are you trying to save money?
• Are you looking to reduce pollution?
• Do you just want to be a good citizen, lessening your loan on the U.S. power grid?

Consider that solar panels produce energy during daylight hours when the sun is out. But, most individuals charge their EVs overnight while they're asleep. So, if you want to use solar power to charge your EV at night, you'll need a battery storage system that can store the energy produced throughout the day and then discharge it when you require it - such as when charging your EV at night.

According to Ipsun Solar, if you charge your car directly from your solar panels during the day, you use the solar power directly and reduce the amount pushed onto the grid. 

• The best way to minimize pollution is to charge your car when the sun is out. 
• As the U.S. power grid ages, it may be beneficial to avoid using it altogether by charging your electric vehicle directly from solar panels during the day. 
• In most cases, the solar panels will produce excess power, which can be used to charge your car. 
• If your vehicle requires more power than your solar panels can produce, charging it at night is advisable. The power is typically generated by baseload facilities, which rely on coal, nuclear, and fossil gas in many states. By charging your EV at night, you become part of the baseload rather than the peak load during the day when the grid is most heavily taxed, helping to reduce stress on the overall grid.

So what does all this mean? If you want to know the best time to charge an EV with solar panels, charging during the day is the best to help you save money, reduce pollution, and minimize the load on the grid. But this might not be practical for drivers on the road during the day. 

How to Charge Your Electric Car with Solar Panels

Charging your electric vehicle with solar panels can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy costs. But, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming if you're new to the process. Here are the steps to charge your electric vehicle with solar panels from start to finish.

• Determine your EV's charging requirements
• Calculate the amount of electricity needed to charge your EV
• Estimate the amount of solar power needed to charge your EV
• Assess your home's solar potential and available roof space
• Determine the number of solar panels needed to meet your charging needs
• Choose an EV charging station compatible with solar panel charging
• Install the solar panels and charging station
• Begin charging your EV with solar power

The Pros and Cons of Using Solar Panels to Charge an EV

As more people switch to EVs to reduce their carbon footprint and lower fuel costs, the demand for cleaner energy sources has increased. One option that has gained popularity is charging EVs with solar panels. While there are benefits to using solar panels to charge an EV, there are also some drawbacks. Weighing both sides of the coin can help you make the best decision for your financial situation and your environmental concerns.

The Pros of Charging an EV with Solar Panels

• Environmental benefits - Using solar panels to charge an EV is one of the cleanest ways to power a car. And solar power is renewable and doesn't produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution. 
• Lower fuel costs - EVs are already more cost-efficient than gas-powered cars, and according to a 2020 Consumer Reports study, EV drivers spend about 60% less each year on fuel costs than drivers of gas-powered cars. By using solar energy to charge your EV, you can avoid paying high fuel costs and reduce your electricity bill.
• Energy independence - When using solar panels to charge your EV, you become less reliant on the grid for energy needs. This can give you a greater sense of energy, independence, and security, especially during power outages.

The Cons of Charging an EV with Solar Panels

• Upfront costs - While using solar panels to charge an EV can save you money in the long run, the initial investment can be significant. In 2023, the cost of installing a 6-kW solar panel system after federal solar tax credits can range from $16,870 to $23,170. For this reason, it can take several years to recoup your investment through energy savings. However, for those looking to place less demand on the U.S. electrical grid and contribute to saving the planet, the high upfront costs may be worth the overall benefits.
• Limited energy production - The amount of energy your solar panels can produce is limited by several factors, including the size of your system, the amount of sunlight you receive, and the time of day. This means you may not always have enough energy to charge your EV, especially during low sunlight or high-demand hours. So, remember that while solar panels receive an average of seven hours of daylight per day, it's important to note that the average peak sun hours typically range between four to five. This means solar radiation is at its highest during solar noon, which occurs when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
• Maintenance costs - Solar panels require regular maintenance to ensure they work efficiently. This can include cleaning, inspections, and repairs, adding to the cost of using solar energy to charge your EV. For reference, though solar panel warranties can cover some, if not all, your maintenance costs with performance guarantees, you should know it can cost between $140 to $180 annually. Your system will also require an annual inspection, which can cost about $150, and cleanings can cost $150.

Factors to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels for EV Charging

With any purchase, especially one that will cost you several thousand dollars, you must do your homework and ensure you are set up with the facts. This will allow you to make an informed decision and avoid any surprises. Take the time to consider the various factors that will impact the performance of your solar panels, such as location, orientation, shading, and panel efficiency. And consider the initial costs, weather requirements, and the time needed for solar panel charging. Doing so can help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that your investment in solar panels is worthwhile.

Initial Cost of Solar Panel Installation

As shared earlier, most homes require between 17 and 21 solar panels, and costs after credits can range from $16,870 to $23,170. But remember, this is average, and your home may be more or less based on its size and other factors. Your solar panel installation costs can also vary based on where you live. According to Angi.com, solar panels in Nashville, TN, for example, could run you $80,000, whereas they are approximately $28,000 in Phoenix, AZ. 

The costs for your solar panel installation typically break down as follows:

• 50% materials
• 25% labor and permits
• 25% maintenance and overhead

Weather Requirements for Solar Panels

Solar panels are designed to work in all weather conditions, but extreme weather can affect their efficiency. For example, high temperatures can cause a decline in solar panel efficiency, with the efficiency of a solar panel decreasing somewhat as the temperature rises above 77°F. 

Additionally, shading can significantly reduce solar panel output, so it is vital to ensure your panels are installed in a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day. This said, solar panels can still generate electricity even on cloudy or overcast days but at a lower rate than on sunny days. Ultimately, the weather requirements for solar panels are fairly minimal as long as they are installed in a location that receives consistent sunlight throughout the day.

Time Needed for Solar Panel Charging

Understanding the time needed for solar panel charging, especially when it comes to your EV, is a critical data point for your decision to purchase solar panels. But the answer is not always clear. The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle with solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as the size of the solar panel system, the weather conditions, and the EV battery capacity. 

Typically, a 10 kW solar panel system can generate around 40 kWh of electricity per day which is enough to charge an average EV with a 60 kWh battery capacity. With this setup, it can take anywhere from five to 10 hours to charge your EV fully. However, the charging time can be reduced significantly with a larger solar panel system or more advanced technology, such as a battery storage system. It's also important to note that using a standard EV charger can be slower than using a dedicated solar-powered EV charger so the charging time can vary based on the equipment being used.

How Much Does a Home EV Charging Station Cost?

The cost of a home EV charging station can vary depending on several factors, such as the charging speed, amperage, and installation fees. According to JD Power, the average cost of a Level 2 home charging station is between $500 and $1,500, with installation costs ranging from $300 to $1,000. However, more advanced systems with additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity or load management can cost upwards of $2,000. 

Be aware too that there may also be additional costs for permits and electrical upgrades, so it's best to consult with a licensed electrician to get an accurate estimate for your specific needs.

Final Word

Charging your electric vehicle with solar panels can be a great way to save money on fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint. While there are some factors to consider, such as the weather and the installation cost, solar panels offer a reliable and sustainable energy source for your EV. With the right equipment and setup, you can enjoy the convenience of charging your car at home while also taking advantage of the sun's energy.