One of the main reasons why people make the switch to electrical vehicles is because they want to make better choices for the environment. Unlike petrol and diesel vehicles, EV’s do not release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as they don’t put out tailpipe emissions – so you’ve already chosen the greener option. If you’re wanting to increase your sustainability though, the combination of electric vehicles and solar panels is a powerful duo. Many eco-conscious individuals wonder: Can you use solar panels with EV chargers? The answer is yes, you can! In this blog post, we’ll explore the exciting possibilities of integrating solar panels with EV chargers.
Charging Your EV With Solar Panels
Charging your electric vehicle with solar panels offers a renewable and sustainable approach to power. In essence, solar panels operate by transforming sunlight into electricity, providing a clean energy source for charging your EV battery. Typically positioned on the roof of homes or commercial properties, these panels can be seamlessly integrated to support all your electrical devices and contribute to the overall electrical grid.
What Do I Need to Be Able to Charge My EV with Solar Panels?
In order to be able to charge your electric vehicle through solar panels, you’ll need to install a domestic Solar Photovoltaic System (Solar PV) alongside the dedicated solar charger for your car battery. Solar PV systems harness sunlight to generate electricity, providing a versatile power source for charging your electric car or powering other household appliances. A typical domestic solar PV system has a capacity of one to four kilowatts of power (kWp), sufficient to fully charge an electric car with a 40 kWh battery capacity in slightly over eight hours.
Naturally, the effectiveness of solar energy in charging your electric car can fluctuate based on seasonal and weather variations. During winter, with reduced daylight and increased cloud cover, it may be necessary to supplement your solar PV system with grid power. For overnight charging, you will need to invest in a solar battery system. Nevertheless, leveraging solar energy remains a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly method to charge your electric car, even if only for partial charging.
Advantages of Solar-Powered EV Charging:
- Renewable Energy Source: Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, a virtually limitless and renewable resource, reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
- Cost Savings: By generating your own electricity with solar panels, you can potentially offset or eliminate the cost of charging your EV from the grid, leading to long-term financial benefits.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Solar-powered EV charging significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with conventional electricity generation, contributing to a greener and cleaner environment.
Haley Electrical - Leading Installer for EV Chargers in Hertfordshire
The prospect of using solar panels with EV chargers not only aligns with sustainable living but also empowers individuals to take control of their energy consumption. If you’d like to find out more, please give us a call today on 0345 257 3532. Alternatively, please complete our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. FREE quotes are available on our EV charger services.
