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.
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!
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.
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.
The exact number of solar panels needed to charge your electric car directly depends on multiple factors. Evaluate your case to calculate approximates.
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 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.
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!