Charging Electric Vehicles with Solar Power: How Long and How Much?

The question “Can you charge an electric vehicle (EV) with solar panels? If so, how much does it cost and how long would it take?” almost makes sense. An electric vehicle (EV) doesn’t care where the electricity comes from, only that it is charged enough to power its battery.

Charging an EV with Local Solar Power

If your home is powered by solar panels, and you charge your EV in your garage, then you are indeed charging your BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) with solar power. Moreover, if the electricity that powers your home comes from a nearby solar farm or a DC Fast-Charge station that includes solar panel canopies, you are essentially charging your EV with at least some solar power.

However, the idea of directly connecting an EV to a solar panel for the purpose of charging is a different scenario. As of June 2024, only one EV manufacturer offers 'solar-powered cars,' Aptera. Their vehicles are still in the late-prototype stage, more akin to quadracycles than actual passenger vehicles. Therefore, while it is possible to charge an EV using solar panels, it is generally not practical for most consumers.

Portable Solar Charging Solutions

There is at least one manufacturer of a battery-based 110VAC power source. This device, which is roughly the size of a small microwave oven, comes with a portable, fold-up solar panel that can charge it. These devices are quite expensive, making them a niche solution.

Technically, these devices can charge an EV at Level 1 charging rates, which means it would take an extremely long time to charge the battery. This kind of setup is best suited for emergency situations or while camping, where the output is only used for a few days.

For example, if you were camping for several days and needed to charge your EV’s battery, you might use this portable solar charging device as an alternative to a DC Fast-Charger. However, it would take an unacceptably long time to charge the battery to a useful level, making it impractical for routine home use.

The Cost of Solar EV Charging

The cost of solar charging for an EV varies widely depending on the size and efficiency of the solar panels, the capacity of the battery, and the location of the home or charging device.

To estimate the cost, consider the following:

Initial Investment: The cost of solar panels, an inverter, and a compatible charging station. Energy Expenses: Once the system is installed, the ongoing cost is minimal as solar energy is free to use. Grid Backup: For reliability, some users also have a grid connection or a battery backup system.

While the initial investment is high, the savings from reduced electricity bills and potential government incentives can make it a worthwhile long-term investment.

Conclusion

Charging an electric vehicle with solar panels is possible but requires significant upfront investment and a practical setup. For most consumers, relying on the grid or a combination of solar charging and grid energy is more practical.

Common Questions

Q: Can any EV be charged with solar panels? A: While any EV can be charged with solar power, the practicality depends on the system setup and the type of solar charging solution used. Q: How long would it take to fully charge an EV using solar panels? A: Full charging would take an extremely long time, making it unsuitable for regular use unless in a specific emergency or camping scenario. Q: Are there any specific EVs that support solar charging? A: As of June 2024, only Aptera offers solar-powered vehicles, but their vehicles are still in the prototype stage.

References

For more detailed information on EV solar charging, consult the manufacturers' specifications and consult with solar installation professionals.