Solar Charging System for Electric Cars
Solar Charging System for Electric Cars
An electric vehicle that is powered by solar energy generated at home may be the best alternative for those who want to cut costs and help the environment. You’ve probably thought about solar panels if you already own an electric vehicle or are considering purchasing one. This will allow you to lower your electricity bills and also use lesser fossil-fuels. What’s more thrilling than charging your futuristic car with the power from the sun?
This guide will show you ways to power your electric car with 100% solar energy. It also explains the time it takes to charge.
What is an electric Vehicle?
An electric vehicle (EV), is any vehicle, whether it’s a car, truck or SUV that uses an electric motor and lithium battery to propulsion. This is a substitute for internal combustion engines (ICE) that runs with fossil fuels. A motor powered by electricity is utilized instead of internal combustion engines. The energy stored in electric motors is stored in batteries, not in a gasoline tank.
You can either use the electric motors on their own or in conjunction with an internal combustion engine to create a hybrid vehicle. We will concentrate on vehicles that are completely electric. They need to be connected to an electrical outlet in order to charge.
What is the energy required for charging an electric vehicle?
The battery rating for an EV’s EV refers to the battery’s capacity. This is the amount of energy it is able to store and how long it takes to fully charge. It is typically measured in kWh or Kilowatts. Below are the most popular sizes that are used for EV batteries.
- Rivian R1T: 135 kWh, 105 kWh 180 kWh
- Audi Etron 95 kWh
- Tesla Model S – 100 Kilowatts
- Tesla Model X – 100 kWh
- Tesla Model Y – 75 kWh
- Tesla Model 3 – 54kWh; 82.5kWh
- Chevrolet Bolt EV 65 kWh
- Nissan Leaf – 40kWh; 62kWh
- Ford Mustang Mach E – 68 kWh, 88 kWh
How long does charging for electric vehicles take?
When answering “How long will an electric vehicle charge?” there are many variables. The charge time of your electric vehicle can vary depending on the brand, make and model of the vehicle and the charger at home. Also, you should consider how long it takes for a battery’s full charge to occur.
AC electricity is used to charge two conventional home charging options Level 1 and Level 2 for home electric vehicle charging stations.
- Level 1 chargers are 120v and can be charged up to 1.9 4 kW. This means that they can add approximately 5 miles per hours to their reach. They can be hooked up to standard outlets like any other device.
- Level 2 chargers can be charged at up to 19.2kW. This means that they can provide about 25 miles an hour of extra distance. It is a 240v charger and requires a special outlet, similar to those that are used to power clothes dryers, ranges and other big appliances.
These chargers offer a level 3 fast-charging option like the Tesla Supercharger, which uses DC electricity. They can increase distance by more than 200 miles an hour. They are ideal for commercial use. This is due to the complexity of the charging technology as well as the amount of energy needed.
Exemples of Electric Vehicle Charging Times
We’ve listed the charging ranges for the most well-known electric vehicles to illustrate common charging time. Based on the average car’s capacity, the data below illustrates how long the charge time is for an electric car from its empty state.
- 120v Level 1 Charger
- Rivian R1T- Maximum 100 hours
- Audi etron for Up to 50hrs
- Tesla Model S – Maximum 53 Hours
- Tesla Model X – up to 53 hours
- Tesla Model Y – up to 40 hours
- Tesla Model 3 – up to 44 hours
- Ford Mustang Mach E – Maximum 47 Hours
- Chevrolet Bolt Electric EV – Maximum 35 Hours
- Nissan Leaf – up to 33 hours
- 240v Level 2 Charger
- Rivian R1T - 5-10 hours
- Audi Etron – up to 5 hours
- Tesla Model S – Tesla Model S can run all day long for up to six hours
- Tesla Model X – up to 6 hours
- Tesla Model Y – Maximum 4 Hours
- Tesla Model 3 – 3 to 5″ hours
- Ford Mustang Mach E – 3 to5 hours
- Chevrolet Bolt EV – up to 4 hours
- Nissan Leaf – 2-4 hours
The actual time to charge an electric car at home can vary depending on many factors, including the charging conditions and the vehicle’s range. The time given for charging at Level 2 specifications is based upon the power output that is maximum for a Level 2, but the actual output from the charger that came with the vehicle may be less, which could slow the charging speed.
While charging times might appear to be long, it’s crucial to keep in mind that EV owners rarely recharge from dead batteries to a fully charged one. It’s more common that EV owners to be charging their batteries in phases. The Level-1 charger with the lower charge might be enough to fully charge your batteries overnight even if you only drive some miles each day.
What number of solar panels will it take to charge an electric motor vehicle?
You need to consider your driving habits to calculate how many solar panels are needed to charge an electric car. The more you drive day your mileage, the less you’ll be capable of charging your battery. You’ll also need more power to recharge it once more. Most people replenish their battery just enough to work and some to run errands.
The average distance for driving was determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration to be approximately 14,000 miles per annum or about 40 miles per day before the pandemic. This number will be used as an illustration.
Let’s begin by looking into the fuel economy of the cars we have tested that are based on Environmental Protection Agency estimates.
- Tesla Model 3 – 2.4kWh/10 mi
- Tesla Model Y – 2.6 10 kWh/10 miles
- Tesla Model S – 2.8kWh/10 mi
- Chevrolet Bolt EV – 2.9 kWh/10 mi
- Nissan Leaf – 3.0kWh/10 mi
- Tesla Model X – 3.2 kWh/10 mi
- Ford Mustang Mach E – 3.3 10 mi/kWh
- Audi Etron – 4.3kWh/10 mi
- Rivian R1T- 4.8 1 kWh/10 miles
How to Choose an Electric Vehicle when you have Solar Panels
You may already be aware of the relationship between electricity generation and consumption, if you have solar panels in your home. You must consider the extra charges required by any electric vehicle you choose when you are considering adding an EV to your home and purchasing electric car chargers. For charging an EV you may need more solar panels. This can offset the greater electricity consumption of your home.
These formulas can be used to estimate the amount of solar panels will be required for charging your electrical car home charger. Then, you can calculate the cost for them to be installed.
There are other aspects to remember:
Timing: It may take time to get approvals for the installation of new solar panels. This timeline is compatible with the purchase timeline you choose for electric vehicles.
Roof Space: In order to charge your electric vehicle using solar energy, you’ll require a sufficient amount of space on your roof to increase the size of your solar array. This guide will help you determine the amount of roof space needed for the installation of solar panels.
Batteries: A significant amount of electric power can be utilized by charging devices for electric vehicles. A lot of people drive their vehicles to work every day. This means that the car is not charged in the peak hours of solar energy. It is recommended to install solar batteries in your home if you only want to utilize solar energy for charging an electric automobile. You can then store the excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day, and utilize the energy to recharge your car in the evening.
The Home Charger If you are charging your electric car at home you should consider the cost of the charging device, charging cable, location (wall-mounted, on poles) as well as the installation cost (including upgrading the electrical panels if necessary) and other elements.
What to Look For If You'll Need an Electric Vehicle
You will need to calculate the typical daily usage of electricity for your home and then add the electric car. This will help you figure out the amount of solar panels you’ll need. Also, consider the future plans you have in mind and how they will affect the amount of energy you consume. You might require more panels in the event that you intend to increase your family size, increase in size your home or even work at your home.
In addition to the usage, there are many other factors you should consider:
Roof: Your roof’s type along with its size can determine whether or not you are allowed to install solar panels. It also determines how much sunlight they will have and how many you’ll require.
Peak Sun Hours: Each area receives an individual amount of sunshine per day. LA Solar Group, a reputable solar service provider, will give you an estimate of how much sunlight your house will receive and the number of panels are required to harness that energy.
Weather: Although local weather patterns may influence the sunlight hitting your solar panels’ cells, they can still generate electricity in cloudy weather. Based on historical weather patterns your solar energy system installer will determine the number of panels needed to power your home.
Solar Panels and Solar Battery Storage for Your EV
Consider what you will do with your electric car when you are thinking about the relationship between your electric car and solar panels. The solar storage battery is necessary if you are away from home to work during daylight hours. The energy from the sun generated in the daytime will be stored in a battery. However, the nighttime energy that you need to power your car is sourced from your utility and most likely comes from fossil fuels.
If net metering is available in your area, however it is possible that you do not need the use of a solar battery. The utility company will credit you for any solar excess that you transmit back to grid power during day. They can then be utilized at night to cover the cost of charging your electric vehicle if the solar panels don’t produce power.
Smart chargers can be utilized to charge electric vehicles only when there are low TOU rates. Certain EVs include this smart charging function However, others may accomplish the same thing by changing with an EV charger.
Rebates and incentives to charge electric vehicles using solar energy
The Federal Government offers a program that makes it easier to transition to renewable energy sources. This program, called the Solar Tax Credit allows you to claim a portion of your solar installation costs to be credited on federal taxes. This program could make it possible to save amount of money.
Numerous programs that reward EVs as well as solar panels are state-level or local programs. The programs you have access to will be based on where you live. You can use the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for (DSIRE) to locate these incentives.
Future of Solar Power and Electric Vehicles
LA Solar Group, two|and LA Solar Group], two|Two} of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, have launched initiatives to put EV charging stations along the adventurous trail. The adventurers will be able explore further when they’re not bound to gas stations.
One auto manufacturer is looking to combine solar energy with electric vehicles. LA Solar Group has developed an electric vehicle that incorporates a solar panel. The company claims that the futuristic vehicle will not need charging via electric vehicle for the majority of its uses.
LA Solar Group provides a traditional vehicle that has solar modules built-in for those who prefer something more traditional. Even well-known car manufacturers such as Hyundai make use of solar power in order to recharge their batteries as well as operate the cooling and heating.
Solar Power & EV Shopping Guide
Electric vehicles may soon become more popular than diesel-powered counterparts due to stricter emissions regulations as well as a rising awareness about clean energy sources. There are numerous commercial charging stations that are available to those who travel for long distances and need to charge their electric vehicles, however, home charging stations can remove the requirement to wait at a station every week.
A well-planned solar system can help EV drivers avoid expensive costs for energy and the hassle of charging their vehicle every day. They will become among the very first to benefit from the future of electric power by reducing their dependence on gas and grid power stations.
It’s not clear how it will be that the next generation of commuters will appear. We’ll see lots of exciting developments when electric vehicle manufacturers team up with solar power businesses.
It is important to consider the charging requirements of electric vehicles when calculating the amount of solar panel systems you’ll need. It is possible to add an EV home charging station to your solar panels.
Request a no-cost Solar Design and Savings estimate from LA Solar Group and learn what solar electricity is and the ways it can be used for charging your electric car.