Charging an EV with Solar Panels: Rolling with Solar
Charging Your Electric Vehicle with Home Solar Power
Charging your electric vehicle with your own home solar power is a huge way to maximize the cost, convenience, and green benefits. You can mostly or entirely charge your EV with free, clean, and renewable solar energy. If you want to enjoy your EV while getting the most out of your investment, this guide will help.
Can You Charge an EV With Solar Panels?
Charging an electric vehicle with solar power from your home solar panels is the ideal meeting of cost, energy efficiency, convenience, and environmental impact. Using electricity generated from your solar panels means your EV is running on 100% clean, free, independent, and renewable energy.
Charging an EV With Rooftop Solar Panels
When the sun is out, the electricity your EV charger draws from your home is supplied by your solar panels. Using solar power to charge your EV at home saves you money and offers significant eco-friendly advantages. An EV eliminates the need for gasoline, and solar panels greatly reduce or even avoid utility electricity costs.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Charge an EV?
Determining the number of solar panels needed to charge an electric vehicle can be difficult. Factors include your EV model, driving habits, location, and solar panel efficiency.
Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Estimate your EV's annual electricity usage.
- Calculate the miles you drive in a year (average American driver drives about 13,500 miles).
- Equation: Vehicle rating x miles driven / 100 = kWh a year.
- Convert kWh a year to average kWh used a day.
- Factor in your peak sun hours to find the required power.
- Divide the daily power needed by the energy a solar panel produces.
For example, using a Tesla Model S (rating 0.28 kWh/mile):
0.28 x 13,500 = 3,780 kWh a year
3,780 / 365 = 10.36 kWh a day
If you have 4.2 peak sun hours:
10.36 kWh / 4.2 peak sun hours = 2.47 kW
Assuming a panel produces 0.4 kW:
2.47 kW / 0.4 kW = 6.2 panels. Therefore, ideally, you would need about 7 panels.
How Much Can You Save Charging an EV with Solar Panels?
The average residential electric rate in the US is 17.45 cents per kWh (April 2025). Charging your EV entirely with solar can save you between $698 and $873 a year. Your savings depend on factors such as driving habits and net metering.
Comparing home solar charging to public charging stations varies, with Level 3/DC fast charger rates typically ranging from $0.20 to $0.70 per kWh. Charging with solar power can drastically reduce these costs.
Cost of charging/fueling a car for 13,500 miles
| Method | Mileage | Total energy | Rate | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home solar | .35 kWh/mile | 4,725 kWh | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Home grid charging | .35 kWh/mile | 4,725 kWh | $0.1745 | $824.51 |
| Public grid charging (low) | .35 kWh/mile | 4,725 kWh | $0.20 | $945 |
| Public grid charging (high) | .35 kWh/mile | 4,725 kWh | $0.70 | $3,307.05 |
| Gasoline | 26 mpg | 519 gallons | $3.30 | $1,713 |
Benefits of Charging an EV With Solar Power
- Cleanest energy possible: Solar power is completely clean and renewable, with no fossil fuel usage.
- Maximizing your solar investment: Using your own energy can be more cost-effective than selling back to the grid.
- Financial incentives: Solar panels and EVs may qualify for tax credits, offsetting costs.
- Convenience: Charging at home reduces the need for recharging stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you charge an EV with solar panels?
Yes, charging is possible through home solar panels or solar chargers.
How many solar panels do you need to charge an EV?
Estimates suggest you need 6-11 solar panels depending on various factors.