How to charge an EV using solar power
Electric vehicles (EVs) are already much better for the planet than traditional combustion vehicles but is there a way to make them even greener?
Charging your EV using solar panels is a great way to cut your carbon footprint and save money on your monthly bills. Here’s everything you need to know about charging your EV with solar power.
Charge your EV with domestic solar panels
If you are at home a lot during the day, you could charge your EV using the energy generated from rooftop solar panels. You will need a home charging unit and a PV inverter to turn the energy into DC current.
However, if you prefer to charge your EV overnight, you will need to add a home battery to be able to store and use solar energy whenever you need it.
Charging your vehicle using solar power will save you money, as you won’t need to import as much electricity from the grid. This means that on sunny days, you can essentially charge your EV for free at home. A 10 panel solar array will provide enough electricity to charge an electric vehicle, but the bigger the EVs battery, the more solar panels will be needed.
Good Energy is a registered solar panel installer, working across the south and midlands of England. Get in touch with us today and we would be happy to help.
Are there solar powered public EV charge points?
Charging your EV using solar power at home is one thing, but what about when you’re out and need to charge? Most public electric vehicle charging points still take electricity from the grid, but new solutions are emerging to offer more solar powered charge points.
Solarsense UK are working with businesses to install solar carports that can allow places to offer free solar electricity to charge EVs. These carports can also provide shelter to protect from vehicles from the elements.
Do any EVs have built in solar panels?
With advancements in technology, concepts are emerging for EVs to have in-built solar panels – enabling users to charge their battery on a sunny day without needing to stop to recharge.
While solar powered EVs are not currently available in the UK, there are a few models on the market in Europe, so as the technology improves, we might see these vehicles start to reach the UK soon.
