Can you charge an EV with solar panels?

Imagine pushing the accelerator on the latest EV and feeling it accelerate faster than your old gas guzzler. And knowing that the energy your motor is receiving was generated on your roof and came from the sun.

Zoom, Zoom, indeed!

You can charge an electric vehicle with solar panels. Absolutely! Solar panels are a great option for owners of electric cars. Solar panels provide clean, abundant electricity that can not only charge your car but also power your house.

The decision to go solar can be a huge one. There are many reasons to purchase solar panels. You could also talk about your carbon footprint and the impact on your budget due to rising electricity prices. Let’s now discuss why solar panels could be the right fit for you and your car.

What’s the fuss about EVs? This blog will provide a deep dive into all things electric vehicles. Let’s get on the road!

Why do so many people want an electric car?

Perhaps you’ve seen a Tesla speeding down the street, or your neighbor parked a Mustang Mach-Ein front their home. According to the International Energy Agency, there were 16.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) cruising roads all around the world by 2021. The numbers for EVs have risen to 2022, surpassing those of last year.

3 Amazing Reasons Everybody Wants an EV

You’re likely to be seeing more electric cars and may wonder, “Why are more people wanting an electric car?” There are many reasons.

1. Electric vehicles produce fewer carbon emissions over their lifetime.

You’re likely to have heard of the many ways solar power can reduce carbon emissions. Many homeowners choose to go solar for the environment. However, they may still be concerned about their carbon footprint on the road. People who care about the environment, and the effects of pollution, will find EVs a great option.

According to an International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) study, EVs emit less pollution that gas-powered vehicles. This is true for both manufacturing and driving. This calculator is from the U.S. Department of Energy. To get an estimate of the amount of greenhouse gas your electric vehicle will emit during its lifetime, and to compare it with the average greenhouse gas emissions of gas-powered cars in your region.

2. Electric vehicles can reduce electricity costs.

You read it right. The U.S. Energy Information Administration, (EIA) states that electricity prices have been steadily increasing over the past twenty years. Home EV charging could increase your energy consumption, and possibly add to your monthly electricity bill.

Synapse Energy Economics recently found that many EV owners who charge at home use the time-of-use billing rates. This means that you can charge when electricity costs are lowest.

Utility companies face a challenge in balancing the demand and supply of electricity. Everyone wants electricity when they return from work at 6 pm, but the demand for power is much lower over night. Utility companies can’t simply shut off their generators. It takes too much time to start them and stop them. There is often more energy available on the grid at night. Sometimes, utilities have to pay other providers to take the electricity from them–this is known as negative power prices. Your electricity company will most likely send the electricity to you, and then charge you for it.

Synapse claims that EVs can “… be charged more frequently during off-peak hours. This encourages utility investments in charging infrastructure that will lower the cost.

3. Electric cars are becoming more affordable

It makes sense that people want to make the most of their car budgets, with gas prices rising 18% over the past year. The electric car is a viable alternative. While many people are apprehensive about the initial cost of an electric car, it is important to understand the total cost of ownership.

First, federal tax credits and local tax credits can reduce the price of an EV . This perk is similar to solar incentives and can be used by the government to make cleaner energy with lower carbon emissions accessible.

Although charging your EV will likely cost less than filling your tank with petrol, it is still a major factor in making the decision to go green. Cost of charging an EV will depend on how much you drive and how efficient your EV is.

Every person is unique, but let’s take a look at one typical driver.

Americans drive on average 39 miles per day, which is about 14,200 miles each year. An average electric car consumes 34.6 kWh for every 100 miles. The average driver will use 4,913 kWh per year. Most EV owners charge their vehicles at home, and the average residentialsolar panels are able to charge your EV. When designing your solar panel system, remember to account the extra energy required to charge your electric vehicle. Many factors affect the amount of electricity a solar panel produces, including panel efficiency, peak sun hours, car model, and roof direction.

We know the real question. It takes how many solar panels to charge a Tesla. It depends on many things. However, a rule of thumb is that it takes around 10 solar panels in order to charge a Tesla.

You might need something else, of course. New EVs are constantly being introduced to the market, some more efficient than others. The DOE offers a great tool to compare all EVs on the U.S. market.

Solar energy can be a smart choice for the environment. It could also save you money over the long-term. Talk to a Solar Energy Specialist to learn more about your options.

These variables are only a small part of the equation. Talk to a Red Solar Energy Specialist today for a more precise estimate.

This post was written by a professional at Red Solar. Red Solar was started with the mindset of renewable energy being the future. We want everyone to travel through this transition. We can all agree that solar is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s not the only way. During a Red Solar energy evaluation, all energy commons in your home will be analyzed for results. Our expert technicians will guide you through the process for better understanding and reassurance. Looking for the best solar panel installation Palm Beach County? Then contact us for more information today!