EV Charging with Solar Panels: A Guide
Charge your EV with solar panels and drive on sunshine. Learn about charger types, system sizing, costs, and how to maximize your solar-EV savings.
The Perfect Pairing: Solar and Electric Vehicles
Combining solar panels with an electric vehicle is one of the smartest energy decisions you can make. Instead of paying for both gasoline and electricity, you eliminate both costs by generating your own fuel from sunlight.
The average American drives about 13,500 miles per year. At the national average electricity rate of $0.17 per kWh, charging an EV costs about $600 to $700 per year. With solar panels, that cost drops to essentially zero. And compared to gasoline at $3.50 per gallon, you save $1,500 to $2,000 per year in fuel costs alone.
Understanding EV Charging Levels
Level 1 Charging (120V)
Every EV comes with a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet. Level 1 charging adds 3 to 5 miles of range per hour, which means a full charge takes 40 to 60 hours for most EVs.
Best for: PHEVs with small batteries, or drivers with very short daily commutes (under 30 miles).
Level 2 Charging (240V)
Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt circuit (the same type used for electric dryers and ovens) and add 20 to 40 miles of range per hour. Most EVs can fully charge overnight with a Level 2 charger.
Best for: Most EV owners. Level 2 charging is the sweet spot for home charging, providing enough speed for daily use without the cost of DC fast charging equipment.
DC Fast Charging (480V+)
DC fast chargers are the high-speed charging stations you see at public locations. They can add 100 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes. These are not practical for home installation due to cost ($50,000+) and electrical requirements.
How Much Solar Do You Need for EV Charging?
Calculating Your EV's Energy Needs
The average EV consumes about 30 kWh per 100 miles (this varies by vehicle). For 13,500 miles per year:
13,500 miles / 100 x 30 kWh = 4,050 kWh per year for EV charging
Adding EV Capacity to Your Solar System
To cover 4,050 kWh of additional annual consumption, you need approximately:
At $2.85 per watt, adding 2 to 4 kW of solar costs $5,700 to $11,400 before the 30 percent ITC, or $3,990 to $7,980 after the credit.
Choosing a Home EV Charger
Smart vs. Basic Chargers
Basic Level 2 chargers ($300 to $500) simply charge your car when plugged in. They work fine but offer no scheduling or monitoring capabilities.
Smart Level 2 chargers ($500 to $800) connect to Wi-Fi and offer features like:
For solar-EV optimization, a smart charger is worth the extra cost. The ability to schedule charging during peak solar production hours maximizes your self-consumption and minimizes grid dependence.
Recommended Chargers
Installation Costs
Professional installation of a Level 2 charger typically costs $500 to $1,500 depending on the distance from your electrical panel, whether a panel upgrade is needed, and local labor rates. The charger and installation may qualify for utility rebates in some areas.
Optimizing Solar-EV Charging
Strategy 1: Charge During Peak Solar Hours
If you work from home or can plug in during the day, charge your EV during peak solar production (10 AM to 3 PM). This maximizes direct solar-to-car energy transfer and minimizes grid imports.
Strategy 2: Use a Smart Charger with Solar Integration
Some chargers can communicate with your solar inverter to automatically adjust charging speed based on available solar production. When the sun is shining brightly, the charger pulls more power. When clouds roll in, it reduces the charging rate to stay within your solar production.
Strategy 3: Add Battery Storage
A home battery captures excess daytime solar and can discharge to charge your EV in the evening. This is especially valuable if you cannot charge during the day.
Strategy 4: Take Advantage of TOU Rates
If your utility has time-of-use rates, schedule EV charging for off-peak hours (usually overnight) when rates are lowest. Your solar panels cover your daytime electricity needs, and you charge your car on cheap overnight power.
Strategy 5: Size Your System for the Future
If you plan to add an EV in the near future, size your solar system to include the EV's energy needs from the start. Adding panels later is possible but typically costs more per watt than including them in the initial installation.
Financial Analysis: Solar + EV Savings
Let us compare the total annual energy costs for three scenarios:
Scenario 1: Gas Car + Grid Electricity
Scenario 2: EV + Grid Electricity
Scenario 3: EV + Solar Panels
The solar-plus-EV combination saves $3,175 per year compared to the traditional gas car and grid electricity scenario. Over 25 years, that is $79,375 in savings before accounting for electricity rate increases, which would push total savings well over $100,000.
Federal and State Incentives
Solar Tax Credit
The 30 percent federal ITC applies to your entire solar system, including the additional panels sized for EV charging.
EV Charger Tax Credit
The federal government offers a tax credit for EV charger installations under Section 30C of the tax code. For residential installations, this credit covers 30 percent of costs up to $1,000.
State and Utility Incentives
Many states and utilities offer additional EV charger rebates ranging from $200 to $1,000. Check with your local utility for current offers.
The Bottom Line
Solar panels and electric vehicles are the ultimate combination for eliminating your energy costs and carbon footprint. The initial investment pays for itself within a few years through combined gasoline and electricity savings.
SmartEnergyUSA can connect you with solar installers who specialize in designing systems that accommodate both home and EV charging needs. Get a free quote today and start driving on sunshine.
