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How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Charge Your Electric Car?

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is rising, and it’s not hard to see why. These sleek, quiet, and clean vehicles make it convenient for everyday consumers to take action on climate change. However, the growing popularity of electric vehicles has also led to a higher demand for charging solutions that are both efficient and sustainable.

One solution is solar panels for EV charging, which harnesses the power of the sun to generate clean energy. But those who own solar panels might ask, “How much solar do I need to charge my electric car?” Let's explore this question and the benefits of charging a car with solar panels.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Charge an EV Fully?

On average, it can take anywhere from 5 to 12 solar panels to fully charge an EV, with most consumers tending to need between 7 and 9 panels — though this may vary depending on your car’s energy consumption, solar panel efficiency, and available sunlight. To obtain the exact number of panels you’ll need for your specifications, you need to know how efficiently your panels produce energy, the wattage of your panels, and how much electricity your car uses each year.

An electrical car charging in a garage
Electric car charging station

Home vs. Public Charging

EV owners will require both at-home and public charging at one point or another, although most charging is done at home to minimize downtime. These days, however, public charging stations are available at commercial locations, along highways, and in many parking lots for the convenience of those who have long-distance commutes. But when comparing home vs. public charging, it’s important to consider the cost-effectiveness and sustainability aspects.

charging

Charging an electric car with solar panels at home can bring great benefits. Installing a charging station at home and using solar energy can potentially decrease charging expenses. This method of home charging also enables energy independence since you generate your own electricity, lessening your dependence on the grid and potentially reducing your utility bills. In contrast, public charging stations may involve fees or subscription costs, although they provide convenience when on the go or when home charging is unavailable.

Why Charge an EV with Solar Panels?

Investing in an EV is a great first step in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, charging it puts strain on the electrical grid, which is sometimes sourced from fossil fuels, the same kind of energy you were trying to get away from with your gasoline-powered vehicle. On the other hand, charging your EV with a rooftop solar system ensures your car is powered with 100% sustainable energy, and it’s also a lot more convenient than wandering around in search of a public charging station. That’s why we recommend charging your car with solar panels — so you can feel good about your all-around clean energy alternative./p>

Electric car charging outside of house

How Many Solar Panels are Needed for Your EV?

Determining the average kilowatt-hours (kWh) your electric car consumes daily is essential in calculating the number of solar panels required for your vehicle. To do this, you can refer to the energy efficiency information provided by your EV manufacturer, which is typically measured in kWh per 100 miles. For example, the Tesla Model 3 has an average efficiency of 4.1 miles per kWh, indicating that it consumes approximately 24.4 kWh to travel 100 miles. Using this information, you can estimate your car's daily energy needs and determine the number of solar panels required to power it.

Electric car charging outside of house
A person plugging in their electrical car

Everyone’s Solar EV Charging Situation is Different

It's worth mentioning that each person's solar panel for EV charging needs are distinct, so there’s no simple answer to, “How much solar do I need to charge my electric car?” People in different parts of the country receive varying amounts of sunlight daily, travel different distances, have solar panels with different wattages, and drive EVs with differing efficiencies. That’s why, to get an accurate estimate, it's advisable to consult with a solar energy professional who can assess your specific circumstances and provide personalized recommendations.

A car charging inside the garage with solar panels mounted on top of garage roof

How to Charge an EV with Solar

Charging your car with solar panels involves a few key steps.

  • ●Determine how many kWh you need daily. As mentioned earlier, you need to calculate your daily energy requirement based on your electric car's efficiency. For instance, if your EV consumes an average of 30 kWh to travel 100 miles, and you drive 50 miles per day, you would need approximately 15 kWh of energy daily.
  • ●Find out how many solar panels you need to charge your electric car. Consider the wattage of the panels, the average daily sunlight in your area, and the panels' efficiency. A typical solar panel generates around 250-400 watts of power — so if you needed15 kWh of energy per day to charge your EV and have 300-watt solar panels with an average of 4 hours of sunlight, you would need approximately 13 solar panels to meet your daily energy needs.
  • ●Buy the equipment needed to charge your electric car with solar. To charge your electric car with solar energy, you will need a solar panel system, an inverter to convert the solar energy into usable electricity, and a charging station compatible with your vehicle. Ensuring the components are compatible and properly installed is essential to maximize efficiency and safety. An experienced solar installer like Axia can provide both the parts and the installation to ensure a safe, reliable installation that maximizes the life of your investment.
  • ●Charge your EV. Once the equipment is installed, you can start charging your EV with solar. Connect your vehicle to the charging station using the appropriate cables, following the manufacturer's instructions for charging. Many EVs also offer options to schedule charging during peak sunlight hours to optimize solar energy utilization.
A car charging inside the garage with solar panels mounted on top of garage roof

Cost of Solar EV Charging vs. Other Fueling Options

When considering solar EV charging, comparing the costs with other fueling options, such as charging from the grid at home or using public charging stations, is important.

Charging From the Grid at HomeCharging an electric car from the grid at home typically costs less initially than installing solar panels. However, the long-term costs may be higher due to fluctuating electricity rates and the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Public Charging StationsUsing public charging stations is convenient for longer trips or when you don't have access to home charging. However, the cost per kilowatt-hour may vary, and it can be more expensive than charging with solar energy in the long run.

Charging With Home SolarCharging an electric car with solar panels harnesses renewable energy and reduces long-term fuel costs. While the upfront cost of installing solar panels may be higher, the savings on fuel expenses can offset this over time, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.

Go Solar With Axia

Partner with Axia to charge your EV with solar and enjoy the benefits of cost savings, energy independence, and environmental sustainability. We pride ourselves on delivering reliable and efficient solar solutions with American-made solar panels backed by Qcells to ensure you can confidently charge your EV and know you're making a positive impact on the planet. Our commitment to customer satisfaction enables you to take a sustainable journey toward clean transportation and a greener future.

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Solar Panel EV Charging Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you're planning to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) and don't have solar panels installed on your home yet, it's worth considering going solar first. Investing in solar panels before purchasing an EV can provide a sustainable, cost-effective charging solution. By installing solar panels, you can generate clean energy — not only for your electric car but also for other household needs. This can maximize your energy savings and reduce your overall carbon footprint. Consult with a solar energy professional to help you assess the best approach for your situation.

Solar batteries for homes are not required to charge an electric vehicle with solar energy. You can use the solar energy generated during the day to charge your vehicle or take advantage of net metering. This system allows you to feed excess solar energy back into the grid and receive credits to offset nighttime charging. Nevertheless, a home solar battery can improve energy independence and provide backup power during grid outages.

Suppose you already have a solar system installed on your home, and you're contemplating adding more panels to accommodate the charging needs of an electric vehicle (EV). In that case, there are several factors to consider.

  • ●First, assess your current energy consumption and compare it to the additional energy demands of charging an EV. Determine if your existing solar system can offset your overall energy needs, including the EV charging, or if adding more panels would be necessary.
  • ●Additionally, evaluate the availability of your roof space to accommodate the additional panels. Adding more panels means increasing the capacity of your solar system, so ensure that your roof has enough space and can support the weight. Consider potential shading from nearby structures or trees that could affect panel performance.
  • ●Next, weigh the financial aspects of adding more panels. Factor in the upfront costs, such as equipment, installation, and potential modifications to your existing system. Calculate the long-term savings on your electricity bills, considering the additional energy consumption from charging an EV. It's crucial to determine if the investment aligns with your financial goals.
  • ●Lastly, consider the benefits of energy independence and sustainability. Adding more solar panels increases your ability to generate renewable energy and reduces reliance on the grid. This contributes to a lower carbon footprint and aligns with environmental objectives.

Conducting a thorough assessment and consulting with a solar energy professional will help determine if expanding your solar capacity is right based on your energy needs, available roof space, financial considerations, and sustainability goals.

Here is a list of the top 10 U.S. electric vehicle models in 2023 ranked by efficiency:

  • ●2023 Lucid Air Pure AWD on 19” Wheels - 140 MPGe
  • ●2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 - 140 MPGe
  • ●2023 Tesla Model 3 - 132 MPGe
  • ●2023 Tesla Model Y - 123 MPGe
  • ●2023 Tesla Model S - 120 MPGe
  • ●2023 Hyundai Kona Electric - 120 MPGe
  • ●2023 Chevy Bolt EV - 120 MPGe
  • ●2023 Toyota bZ4X XLE FWD - 119 MPGe
  • ●2023 Kia EV6 Long Range RWD - 117 MPGe
  • ●2023 Chevy Bolt EUV - 115 MPGe