Is It Possible To Charge an Electric Car With Solar Panels?
According to Statista, there are more than 350,000 annual EV sales in the United States. Over 255,000 battery EVs were sold in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2023.
Considering the constantly growing electricity price and potential gas car ban, more people have begun to look for alternative ways to charge their electric vehicles. Solar energy is a great and eco-friendly way to power your car and appliances.
Today, you’ll find out how many solar panels to charge an electric car you need, the average system cost, and whether it’s possible to power vehicles with portable panels.
Reasons To Charge an EV With Solar Panels
Besides apparent benefits like sustainability, solar charging has many advantages that you should use. You immediately gain grid independence and will be able to charge a car even during outages. Illinois winters can be way too snowy, resulting in local outages. Solar panels will cover your back and provide eco-friendly electricity even during this weather.
Using solar panels to charge an electric car will financially benefit you in the long run. While solar systems often have a high initial cost, it will pay off in 6-10 years. Modern panels have a 25-year lifespan, so it’s a worthy investment. Various incentives and financing options can make green EV charging more affordable.
Looking for solar panels needed to charge an electric car? Don’t waste another minute—get your free solar quote right away!
How Much Energy Is Needed To Charge EV At Home?
Each EV has a slightly different capacity, so there is no “one-fits-all” answer. Meanwhile, the average electric car capacity ranges from 40 kW to 100 kW. If you have a Level 2 charger and an average 6 kW solar system, it takes 6 to 12 hours to power a car.
Remember that the fastest DC chargers for residential usage currently offer approximately 30 miles during the hour of charge, while the average charging speed with residential chargers varies from 5 to 12 miles per hour.
However, you won’t need a full charge every day. The average American drives approximately 40 miles daily, and EVs use about 0.35 kWh per mile. So, if you want to charge a car for commuting, you must power it for 12-18 kWh. Generating this energy will take 3-4 hours, and the EV’s charging speed depends on the device.
If you have standard Level 1 solar EV chargers that use a 120 V outlet, it may take 4-6 hours to power a car for an average commute. Level 2 options are almost twice as fast but need a 240V outlet. Charging an EV with a Level 3 cord at home is impossible, as it requires at least 50 kWh, while the average house uses only 5-6 kWh of electricity.
So, while asking, “How many solar panels are needed to charge an electric car?” a technician should understand your car parameters and how many hours you can charge a vehicle. A single solar panel has 250 to 400 watts (W). If you want a powerful 10 kW system, you should place 25-35 panels in your system. We recommend you ask for a solar quote so technicians can evaluate your needs.
Can You Charge An Electric Car With Portable Solar Panels?
Technically, yes. But realistically, no. The average portable panel has a power range from 100 to 350 W. Charge an EV with solar with a single panel may take days or weeks.
However, you can still use portable solar panels to charge an electric car if you need extra miles of range for your battery. Some companies offer solar generator systems that combine portable solar panels and gas generators with a battery bank and inverter. These can be used for charging your EV, but they are still less efficient and slower than a home charger. They act as the “last straw” solution to charge an electric car with solar panels.
How Many Solar Panels Are Needed To Charge An Electric Car?
The exact number of solar panels needed to charge your electric car directly depends on multiple factors. Evaluate your case to calculate approximates.
- EV battery size and daily usage: Larger batteries and frequent driving will require more energy to replenish. A typical EV uses up to 15 kWh per average commute, and a full tank has a capacity of 40 kWh.
- Solar panel wattage: Higher-wattage panels generate more electricity per hour of sunlight. Common residential panels range up to 400 watts.
- Charger type: You can’t usually charge a car with your average 110 V plug. Dedicated EV chargers are divided into 3 groups: slow Level 1, mid Level 2, and fast commercial Level 3.
- Sunlight hours: The sunlight amount of in your location impacts the system’s productivity. In the winter, you may get 30-40% less green power than in summer.
If you are curious about questions like “How many solar panels do I need to charge an electric car in winter?”, it’s better to overestimate. Factors like cloudy days or needing a full charge after a long trip can increase your daily energy needs. So, while calculating how many solar panels it would take to charge an electric car, it’s better to add 3-4 extra panels.
The Average Cost Of Solar Panels To Charge An Electric Car
The average 7 kWh solar system price ranges from $16,000 to $30,000 before incentives. However, you should also add the cost of installing and maintaining an EV charger. The basic Level 1 option will cost you $300-1,000 with installation. Meanwhile, a faster Level 2 device may cost from $500 to $2,500. Level 3 options are too powerful for residential usage; they need 50 kW, and their cost starts at $40,000.
If you want to charge an electric car with solar panels, prepare to pay at least $17,000. Luckily, many incentives and financing options (solar lease, PPA, etc.) can make this purchase more affordable.
Wrapping It Up
Solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs) are potent combinations for a sustainable future. This eco-friendly combination will become even more common in the next few years. Rooftop solar panels can charge an electric car overnight, while portable panels with small inverters can act as the “last resort” when you need just a few miles to get to a proper charger.
However, beware that you may need a clean roof to charge an electric car with solar panels. The average solar system has a 7 kW capacity and consists of 15-25 panels. You will also need an inverter and a special power cord. So, you will need a lot of space to charge an electric car at home with solar panels.
Looking for solar panels needed to charge an electric car? Don’t waste another minute—get your free solar quote right away!
FAQ
Can solar panels charge an electric car?
Yes, but you need to find a suitable charger and connect it to the solar system. Solar panels themselves don't directly pump electricity into your car. They just generate DC electricity, so you still need a device that converts it to AC to power a car with a Level 1 or Level 2 charger.
Can you charge an electric car directly from solar panels?
No, you need an inverter that converts DC electricity to AC. But you can safely tell that solar panels charge an electric car, as this eco-friendly electricity will be enough to power the EV.
Can you charge an electric car while driving with solar panels?
It’s not recommended, as it’s dangerous. If you need to charge an electric car with solar panels, it’s better to stop the EV and let it get the power.
Can my solar panels charge my electric car during snowfall?
Yes, since your panels still produce electricity. In the case of light snowfall, using solar panels to charge electric cars will benefit you. Here, panels may produce even slightly more electricity than usual. as snow particles act as reflectors. During a heavy snowstorm, the panel’s productivity lowers, but it’s still enough to power your appliances and a car.
