Will solar panels charge my car?

will solar panels charge my ev car
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Introduction

As we usher in an era of sustainable energy, electric vehicles (EVs) and solar power are two key players in this revolution. An exciting possibility that brings these two together is solar-powered EV charging. This blog post will delve into how solar panels can charge your car, the factors affecting this process, and the potential benefits.

  • We’ll cover the fundamentals of how solar panels can charge your EV.
  • We’ll discuss the variables that influence solar charging’s efficiency.
  • We’ll explore the equipment required for solar charging of an EV.
  • We’ll look at the pros and cons of portable solar panels for EV charging.
  • Lastly, we’ll envision the future of solar-powered EV charging.
 

The mechanics of solar panels charging an electric car is a simple, yet ingenious process. In a nutshell, solar panels allow a home to use the energy they produce, which can be utilised to charge your electric vehicle, the same way it’s used to power the lights in your home. However, it’s important to remember that if the panels do not produce enough energy for both charging your EV and your household needs combined, you can draw additional electricity from the grid.

The efficiency of EV car charging using solar panels depends on a myriad of factors. One such factor is the type of charger used. Level 2 chargers are the most convenient for home use, as they run off the home’s utility service and deliver 220 to 240 volts of charge. This results in a significantly shorter charging time compared to a Level 1 EV charger, which delivers a lower charge and therefore a much slower charging time. This allows overnight charging, which would be the most convenient time for most people.

The size of your solar system also plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of EV car charging. To charge your EV using rooftop solar power alone, you’ll need an adequate setup, consisting of rooftop solar panels, a central string inverter or micro-inverters, a Level 2 EV charger, and a storage battery. The number of panels required will vary from car to car, but typically, six to twelve solar panels should be enough to charge most EVs.

Another critical element to consider when planning to use solar panels for EV car charging is the vehicle battery level. The average EV will need approximately 4 kWh/day or about 1,500 kWh hours/year for every kW of solar installed on your roof. Thus, it’s essential to size your rooftop solar system appropriately to account for EV charging and other critical loads.

Lastly, your driving habits play a part in determining how much solar power you’ll need for charging. Different vehicles have different power requirements, and the more you drive, the more energy you’ll need. For example, to charge a Nissan Leaf year-round would require six solar panels at 370 watts each, taking up 132 square feet, while a Porsche Taycan 45 requires 10 panels to drive 40 miles.

While the prospect of charging your EV with solar power is exciting, there are some challenges to consider. One of these is the use of portable solar panels for EV charging. Currently, they are not a viable solution due to their limited energy generation. A 220 W solar panel connected to a portable 100-watt-hour generator will take 8 hours of charging to get you about 8 miles worth of driving. So, while portable solar panels can be used in emergencies, they are not suitable for regular EV charging.

That said, the future holds promise for solar-powered EV charging. The evolution of EV charging technology, with Tesla’s Superchargers being able to add 200 miles of range in only 15 minutes, makes solar panel options even more viable. Additionally, there are innovations in solar panel designs that closely resemble roof shingles, making installation more appealing to homeowners.

The Economics of Solar EV Charging

As it stands, solar energy is cheaper than electricity from a utility company, and despite the high initial cost of solar panels, in the long run, they can be a worthwhile investment. In 2022, solar energy cost around 15 pence per kWh, while the average cost of grid electricity was 20 cents per kWh.

So, solar panels offer a sustainable and cost-effective way to charge your electric vehicle. While there are several factors to consider, such as the type of charger, the size of the solar system, the vehicle battery level, and your driving habits, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment. Though portable solar panels are not yet a viable solution for regular EV charging, the rapid advancements in technology paint a bright future for solar-powered EV charging.

By considering all these factors and making an informed decision, you can contribute to a cleaner environment, enjoy cost savings, and make the most of the emerging EV revolution. We’re the best reviewed supplier of solar panels in Lincoln

Check out these other articles we’ve written:

How Do Solar Panels Work? (Everything You Need To Know)

Embracing Renewable Energy with Solar Panel Installation in Lincoln