Solar energy use in the US has grown significantly over the last decade. According to the US Solar Market Insight 2020 report, solar energy accounts for 1.8% of the total electricity generation. The solar industry grew by 43%, with over 19.2 GW of capacity installed in 2020. Smaller, cheaper, and more efficient solar panel installations continue to fuel the growth.
Solar Panel Install and the EV: A Perfect Match?
The rapid expansion of the solar industry coincides with a boom in the EV market. Sales of electric cars totaled over 2.1 million units globally in 2019. This is double the volume sold two years prior. The International Energy Agency estimates that there will be at least 250 million EVs on the roads by 2030.
A major concern for most electric vehicle owners is the availability of charging stations for their vehicles. Superchargers are unevenly distributed across the states. Homeowners and business executives may need to find affordable, alternative ways to power their vehicles. A solar panel installation for an EV charging station is an excellent green substitute for fossil-powered grid electricity.
Benefits of a Solar Installation for Your EV
With growing government support, solar energy has become more accessible and affordable for most Americans. You can receive tax rebates, solar credits, and flexible solar financing programs to support your installation. The ease of access to solar technology presents a perfect opportunity to integrate an EV charging station into your residential solar.
The lower electricity costs for your home and the financial benefits may be excellent incentives. That’s not all. You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint by opting for a renewable source of energy. The solar panel installation in your home converts sunshine to DC stored in battery packs. The Direct Current (DC) is converted to Alternating Current (AC) that will charge your EV.
How Many Solar Panels Will You Require to Charge Your EV?
According to the US Department of Transportation, the average American drives approximately 13576 miles per year. Your utility bills can quickly skyrocket by using the grid power to charge your vehicle. The amount of power your electric vehicle can store may depend on the size of the battery packs. You can check the battery pack EPA rating for your model unit from the fueleconomy.org website.
The number of solar panels required may depend on how much you drive in a day, the battery pack efficiency, direct sunshine exposure in your region among many other factors. You may need to consult a solar company to get a customized quote for the photovoltaic cells required.
What Is the Cost of the Solar Panel Install?
A major concern for most homeowners is the cost of installation for the charging port and the solar panels. The cost may vary depending on the quality of photovoltaic cells used, the number of solar panels, battery packs required, and the type of charger installed. You can request an itemized quote for the various solar companies in Sonoma County and compare the pricing.
The sharp rise in EV adoption has resulted in a shortage of effective charging stations for cars. A solar panel install provides a greener yet affordable option for homeowners and property managers. To discuss a solar panel install, reach out to Suntegrity Solar.