With the rise of fueling costs and climate concerns, home solar charging for electric vehicles is becoming popular. While initially using a PV array you may face challenges but it is a sustainable beneficial solution. Now, you might wonder how many solar panels are needed to charge an electric car. Come, let us find out more about it.

How many Solar Panels to Charge an Electric Car?

The total number differs but you may need about 5 to 12 solar panels. It differs because of the fuel efficiency of the EV, daily mileage, solar panel wattage and average sunlight hours.

Moreover, if your home already has solar panels, adding an EV may increase the number you need. The average U.S. home requires 19-34 panels for basic electricity needs.

To calculate the number of panels needed let us understand by taking an example in which your daily mileage is 25 miles and you’re considering using 400W solar panels: 

1. EV Total daily energy consumption = Daily mileage × Energy consumption per mile  

= 25 miles × 0.26 kWh/mile = 6.5 kWh 

2. Energy generated per solar panel per day = Solar panel wattage × Hours of direct sunshine 

= 400 W × 2.5 hours = 1000 Wh or 1 kWh  

3. Number of solar panels required = EV Total daily energy consumption ÷ Energy generated per solar panel per day

= 6.5 kWh ÷ 1 kWh/panel = 6.5 panels 

Since you can’t have a fraction or partial panel, you need to round it up. This means you would need approximately 7 (400W) solar panels to charge an EV with a daily mileage of 25 miles.

How many Solar Panels to Charge a Tesla, Toyota or Ford?  

How many Solar Panels to Charge a Tesla, Toyota or Ford

Unlike standard charging and fuelling methods, solar charging is eco friendly and cost-effective. To determine the number of solar panels you’ll need, consider these different company models to get a better idea:

EV ModelPanel Wattage (W)Number of Panels Required
Tesla Model Y2509
Tesla Model Y4006
Tesla Model 34504
Ford F-150 Lightning4507
2014 Toyota RAV4 EV25016
2014 Toyota RAV4 EV40010

Note: Figures are rounded up to the next whole panel since you can’t charge with partial panels. These numbers can differ based on sun hours, panel wattage, and daily mileage. 

Also See: How much do You Save on Gas with a Tesla?

How long does an Electric Car take to Charge from Solar Panels? 

Typically, it takes about 2.81 hours of solar EV charging to replenish 10% of an electric car’s full charge. This data is estimated for a region that daily receives peak sunlight of 6.02 hours. The charging duration also depends on the car’s make and required plugs.

Before you start charging your EV, here are some points you must be aware of:

  • Home EV charging using Level 2 stations is quick and efficient. 
  • Public charging stations provide Level 2 (25-80 miles per hour) and Level 3 options (20 miles per minute) with Level 3 charging much faster.
  • You won’t find Level 1 charging at public stations due to its slow pace.

Also, if you learn about the best time to charge EVs with solar panels, it will help you significantly enhance overall performance.

How to Charge your Electric Vehicle using Energy from Solar Panels

charging electric cars at home with solar panels

For this, you will need solar panels and a sufficient balance of the system to generate enough electricity. The steps below will give you an idea of how to do: 

Step-1 Set Up PV System: It involves installing solar panels which can be done on your roof or opt for ground-mounted system. This will capture sunlight which will subsequently be converted into electricity. 

Step-2 Connect PV System to Inverter: This step is crucial for converting the DC electricity generated by the solar panels to AC electricity suitable for charging your EV. 

Step-3 Install EV Charging Station: After this, you must select and install an EV charger that is compatible with your vehicle to easily connect to the AC electricity generated by the solar PV system.

Step-4 Connect EV Charger to Inverter: Remember to properly connect the EV charger and inverter so that the solar PV system AC electricity can be transferred to charge your EV battery.

Step-5 Monitor the System: When charging an electric car with solar panels on the roof both the solar PV system and the EV charger must be inspected regularly to ensure proper operation and efficiency.  

However, if you still face any issues it is best to reach out to a technician. 

For more detailed information, check out how to install solar panels on roof.  

Cross-reference: Charging electric cars from solar energy

Why Charge EV with Solar Panels? Benefits Vs Fuel/Gas  

It is a popular and affordable way and there are several benefits of charging electric cars with solar panels. Now, take a look at why you should switch to EVs from standard vehicles:  

1. Ensures Energy Security: It boosts the economy and diversifies transportation by using different fuel sources like natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, and solar. Also, it helps lower reliance on petroleum imports

2. Provides Cost-Savings and Incentives: Though you need to pay higher prices initially compared to conventional cars, state and utility subsidies can help offset these expenses. The federal Clean Vehicle Credit provides tax credits along with benefits like reduced tolls, reserved parking, and free public charging.

3. Improves Environmental Health: Electric and hybrid vehicles are advantageous over conventional vehicles, especially in terms of tailpipe emissions. These electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 52% compared to gas vehicles. 

4. Requires Less Maintenance: These have fewer moving components than traditional automobiles, which reduces maintenance and expenditures. With no need for oil changes, gasoline filters, or timing belts, owners can save money. In fact, many EVs have regenerative braking systems that increase the life of brake pads. 

5. Offers Convenience: Charging electric cars at home or work eliminates the need to go to a gas station. This convenience, combined with the absence of oil leaks and gasoline odors, improves the whole ownership experience.

Ultimately, how many solar panels to charge an electric car can vary based on car efficiency, climatic conditions, panel specifications and daily mileage. Despite variations too, it remains a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. To learn more about electric cars, check out the dedicated EV category.

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Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

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