Solar Panels and Electric Automobiles: a Match Manufactured in Heaven

Solar energy and electrical vehicles (EVs) certainly are a successful combination. If you get an EV, but charge with power that has a large amount of coal in the strength mix, it improves the climate impression of driving. As a result, charging your EV with renewable strength is a great choice. As well, charging with solar power panels is an excellent way to reduce your fuel prices and get the greatest benefit out of your photovoltaic system.

Most solar panels available remain 15%-20% efficient on converting natural light into electricity. This implies that fewer solar panels are needed to produce the same amount of energy in comparison to solar panels from ten years ago. Because PV modules will be more efficient than ever before, many houses have sufficient roof space to provide power for the house and charge a car.

Whether your roof will be able to fully vitality both your house and your EV is determined by the following factors.

Solar equipment efficiency: The solar power panels, inverter, and optional batteries are all factors
Solar potential of the property: When there is shade from structures, trees, house features, etc.
Size of the south-facing roofing: Most solar power panels are actually installed facing south and sometimes installed facing east or west
Energy employ of the house: Search for information about your bills of kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage
Performance of the EV: The common EV desires 30 kWh per 100 miles
How much you drive: The common EV owner drives 5,300 miles each year
Where you charge: When there is a robust charging infrastructure in your town or you only charge at home
Your regional climate: The quantity of available sunlight where you live throughout the year
Before installing a solar energy system on your own home, it’s decent to examine energy efficiency. Have you got energy-hogging appliances or electronics that should be replaced? Do you have energy-efficient lighting? Is it possible to make minor modifications to consume less strength, such as rinsing dishes in cold water, installing an energy-saving showerhead, or reducing the consumption of your air conditioning?

How much power does your electrical vehicle consume?
Generally, EVs can consume about 25 to 35 kWh per 100 kilometers. The exact efficiency of an EV is dependent a bit on your own driving style, the outdoor temperature, and the type of driving you are doing. Unfortunately, proficiency declines in winter. Also, the style of the car you get is a major factor in just how much power your EV will use. The U.S. Division of Energy possesses information on the proficiency of specific models.

Where do you charge your EV?
Another big factor in sizing your solar system is considering where you fee your car. Do you merely charge in the home or carry out you charge on the run a whole lot? As the network of electronic vehicle charging stations rises, you might commence charging on the run more often, in stores, good friends’ homes, or at the job. How appealing this program is might also rely upon the price tag on charging and if the energy comes from renewable resources of energy.

How many solar power panels how about to charge your vehicle?
Knowing roughly just how much you get, where you fee, and the proficiency of your vehicle, you can commence plugging in some quantities. Let’s assume you travel about 10,000 kilometers a year, only demand at home, possess a sunny south-facing roof, and reside in Chicago or Portland, Maine. Then, you’ll need about eight 350-watt solar panels to charge your EV.

Let’s say you drive just 5,000 kilometers, only charge in the home, and you reside in San Diego, California, with no shade. Then, you’ll simply need about 3 solar power panels to keep your car charged. In the event that you got the same set-up however the home is positioned in Seattle, you'll need a supplementary panel or so.

What if you don’t have sufficient roofing space for solar panels?
Some homes are shaded or don’t have very much south-facing roof space. Various other EV owners may lease, so it doesn’t seem sensible to go solar. Another option is to join a community solar farm. Although styles vary, most network solar farms follow a subscription model. This ensures that you can purchase discounted electric power from a solar farm and fork out no upfront investment.