Can I charge my car with solar panels?

Charging your car with solar panels

If you have recently invested in an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, you may be wondering if you can charge it up with electricity generated by solar tech.

Many motorists are turning to greener solutions for getting around, but even if you’re using a fully electric, zero-emissions EV, charging it using the National Grid is still indirectly making use of fossil fuels. Luckily, getting a cleaner charge is easier than ever. One way to do so is by choosing an electricity provider that only buys from renewable sources. Another is to create your own electric car charging station using solar panels.

Using solar panels to charge an EV

Solar panels are fixed to the roof of your home, where they can generate the optimal amount of electricity for your needs. It’s recommended that most 3-4 bedroom homes install 16 solar panels in order to meet their electricity needs, and this is plenty for charging a car with an average-sized battery. Since most vehicles are charged overnight, it’s also a good idea to install a solar battery system, which can store the power that’s produced for use after dark.

In addition to the solar panels, you will need a home charging unit and PV converter for charging your electric car. The PV unit converts the AC power generated by the solar panels, and converts it to DC power, which can then be utilised for charging. Many manufacturers offer periodic deals that include a home charging unit in the cost of the vehicle purchase, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of such promotions. Otherwise you can choose a wallbox that provides between 3kW and 22kW depending on your needs and budget.

How effective is it to charge my electric car with solar panels?

The efficacy of your solar panel system depends on several factors, including the number and type of solar panels you have, the angle and direction your roof faces (and therefore the amount of sunlight that reaches it) and what other electricity needs your home has. In addition, it depends on the size of your vehicle’s battery.

You can expect the average solar panel system to generate between one and four kilowatts of electricity per day. That’s enough to fully charge an electric car with a 40kWh battery in just over eight hours. The average plug-in hybrid has a 14kWh battery, which means you can fully charge it and still have power to spare.

Before deciding how many panels to install, it’s advisable to speak to solar panel experts who can help you determine how much electricity you’ll need to generate for your home and car. As experienced solar panel installers in Kent, South East Solar & Electrical can ensure you’re using the cleanest energy possible for your home and car by assessing your home and installing a solar PV system. We can also offer guidance on the efficacy and cost of solar panels vs other renewable sources to meet your needs. Contact us today to find out more.