The primary reason that you would wish to buy an electric vehicle is to ensure that you do not contribute to the consumption of fossil fuels. You can perhaps take it one level ahead with the option to charge your vehicle with solar energy.
How about checking if we can charge our electric car using solar energy? Let us find out the nuances of the ability of solar energy to charge your car.
Can you charge your EV with solar power?
Yes, you can use solar energy to charge your electric car. The process involves the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The solar energy can be directly used to charge the electric car or it can be stored in the batteries to use it later.
However, you will need to have the right setup for the solar panels. You are expected to invest in a solar PV system and a solar-compatible EV charger. It can be associated with a higher initial cost, but you will be able to save a lot in the long run.
How Many Solar Panels Does It Take to Charge an EV?
That should largely be dependent on the battery size of your electric vehicle. The efficiency of the solar panels you install will also have an impact on the number of solar panels needed for charging an EV.
Let us assume that each of your solar panels produces 1 kWh of electricity per day. If you have an EV that has a 75 kWh battery, you will need to have 75 solar panels to charge your car battery to its full capacity. However, assuming that you will be driving an average of 35 miles a day, the electric charge needed per day would be around 12 kW per day. This would mean you will need no more than 12 to 15 panels.
Now that a typical solar system will have around 25 to 30 panels, it is quite obvious that you can be quite comfortable with a standard solar system for your specific requirements.
Are solar panels worth it when it comes to charging electric cars?
Well, as with any investment, or innovation, the use of solar energy for charging your electric car is also not free from its own pros and cons.
Let us explore both the arguments in favor of and against charging electric cars with solar energy.
Pros
- Lower electricity bills – Solar electricity does not add to your utility bill. It is free – except for the initial cost. You can switch to solar energy during the peak hours and move to the traditional options during the off-peak hours.
- Free charging – If you have a home solar system, it will be free to get your electric vehicle for free.
- Reduced carbon footprint – As more and more people opt for solar energy, the reliance on the traditional energy sources will diminish. This can lead to decreasing the unwanted environmental impact.
- Energy independence – Solar energy can be an excellent means to create an energy independent and off-grid energy solution for your specific needs.
Cons
- Higher initial investment – The initial investment for solar panel installation can be considerably higher. However, several governments offer schemes and rebate options. Moreover, you can have long-term savings.
- Weather dependency – Solar energy is dependent on weather. The cloudy conditions can negatively impact the energy generation.
- Limits on energy generation – The standard household solar energy may not be enough to last a single day.
- Ownership requirements – If you wish to install solar panels, you need to have an ownership of your roof. This may be a constraint for the urban residents who live in residential complexes.
Overall, the benefits of solar energy outweigh the negative aspects. Given the development taking place in the field of solar charging, we definitely see a change and improvement quite soon.
What is the future of solar energy?
The world has been on the way to moving away from carbon-intensive energy sources. In this context, renewable energy sources like solar energy should prove to be an excellent choice to make.
In fact, we would foresee a future where solar panels can be integrated with the EV charging points. This will ensure that you can always be using green energy for practically every need you may have.
Charging your electric car at home using solar energy has already become a reality. It can be a great option going forward if the charging stations from across the world are integrated with the solar panels and solar energy harvesting units.
Conclusion
The world today is moving towards a sustainable way of living and eco-friendly options, the option to use solar energy for charging your electric vehicle should be an excellent option to explore. The solar power has been a worthy option for many households and can be a great way to help save costs in the long run.
The companies and service providers like GSL Energy have been at the forefront of providing the customized solar energy systems and energy storage batteries. Operational in over 90 countries, the company does provide you access to one of the most innovative experiences for the enthusiasts who want to make a huge difference to the world.
If you really wish to build a world for the future, using solar energy for electric cars should be the right choice to make. That should be your first step towards creating a world that no longer depends on the non-renewable energy or fossil fuels.
