How To Set Up a Solar-Powered Car Charging Station for your Home
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2025In 2019, the world purchased over two million electrical vehicles (EVs) - double the volume sold just two years before. Experts estimate that EVs will grow to about 245 million vehicles by the year 2030. The 2020 report, published by the International Energy Agency, states that the EV30@30 initiative aims for the global passenger car stock to consist of at least 30% electric cars by 2030. This target requires an annual growth rate of about 36% between 2019 and 2030.
As car manufacturers continue to increase their electric vehicle offerings, we need innovative strategies to provide sustainable electricity sources to power those vehicles. In addition, homeowners interested in switching to an electric car to reduce their carbon footprint should think seriously about installing a solar-powered charging station. This way, they will have a sustainable fuel source for their transportation needs, no matter what type of energy their grid relies on.
Let's look at the feasibility of independently and autonomously powering your vehicle with sunlight that shines on your roof. First, we will look at the power requirements and equipment needed to power your vehicle from the solar panels on your home. In addition, we will include a cost analysis to determine the potential savings over the long run compared to gas-powered vehicles and the extra utility costs of charging an EV from the municipal power grid.
Table of Contents
- How Much Power Does an Electric Car Use?
- How Many Solar Panels Will You Need to Power an Electric Vehicle?
- What Equipment Do You Need To Charge An Electric Vehicle?
- Electric Vehicle Cost Analysis
How Much Power Does an Electric Car Use?
The amount of power an electric vehicle requires depends on several variables, including:
- the type of EV you choose
- how much you drive
- the battery system you incorporate into your solar PV system
Since electric cars don't rely on gasoline, the EPA has a different rating system from the traditional miles per gallon. Instead, the EPA rates EVs on the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) it takes for the car to drive 100 miles. For example, the 2020 BMW i3 requires 30 kWh to drive 100 miles, while the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range only requires 26 kWh to go an equal distance. The EPA converts this rating into "miles-per-gallon equivalent" (MPGe) to help consumers determine the most energy-efficient option on the market. When comparing the most energy-efficient EVs on the market, this government website offers complete information on the MPGe and kWh per 100 miles ratings.
How Many Solar Panels Will You Need to Power an Electric Vehicle?
The number of solar panels you will need will largely depend on how much you drive daily, weekly, or monthly. For example, if you have a 100-mile round trip commute to work, you will need a much larger solar panel installation. People living in dense urban areas with short commutes and limited mileage requirements will require fewer solar panels to power an EV.
To calculate the number of solar panels, you will need to figure out how much energy your electric vehicle will require per day. Consider the following equation:
The average American drives about 1,100 miles per month. No matter what type of car we drive, reducing our transportation needs should prioritize all people worried about their overall environmental impact. Let's imagine a family that drives less than the national average - about 600 miles per month, or 20 miles per day. The Tesla Model 3 mentioned above requires about 26 kWh for every 100 miles.
Based on the calculation mentioned above, this amounts to:
Assuming you receive around 5 hours of direct sunlight on your solar panels each day, a premium solar panel could produce about 1.5 kWh per day. So, you would need at least four 290 watt panels to give you the power you need to power your EV autonomously, without help from the grid. The more you drive, the more you need!
Solar Power
Shop the best high-performing solar power products that save you money through their use and reduce waste, without compromise.
QuickBOLT QB2 with Microflashing Multi Roof Mount Solar Panel Fastener Kit
QuickBOLT
In Stock
QuickBOLT 2-1/4" EPDM Solar System Conduit Mount w/Screw
QuickBOLT
In Stock
QuickBOLT Stone Coated Roof Height Adjustable 18mm for Side Mount Rails - Short
QuickBOLT
In Stock
QuickBOLT Deck T Mount Solar Panel Fastener Kit
QuickBOLT
In Stock
QuickBOLT Flat Tile Roof Hook for Solar Panel Side Mount Rails
QuickBOLT
In Stock
Lion Energy 100W 24V Portable Solar Panel
Lion Energy
In Stock
QuickBOLT Throne - The Set Screw Standing Seam Mount
QuickBOLT
In Stock
QuickBOLT Multi Roof Mount - QB2 Kit with 3" Microflashing, Stainless Steel L-Foot, T-Bolt and Nut (16001) - 17771
QuickBOLT
In Stock
QuickBOLT 3" Microflashing Stainless Steel & EPDM - 17669
QuickBOLT
In Stock
SunGoldPower 10000W DC 24V Split Phase Pure Sine Wave Inverter With Charger
SunGoldPower
Out of Stock
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
