Solar EV Charging Guide

Considering the gas prices hiking and the diminishing fossil fuels, it is best to switch to environmentally-friendly electric vehicles.

It was unimaginable to think of installing a solar-powered electric car charging station at home a few years back. There weren’t many electric cars and EV charging options. However, times have changed now, you can now install a powerful electric vehicle charging system at your home.

Are you confused about how to get started with installing an EV charging station? Do you wonder how many solar panels you will require? Do you want to know how to get faster charging from your solar panel-powered system? If yes, then you have come to the right place.

In this article, you will get to know everything about electric vehicle charging stations, things to consider, and other necessary details. So, buckle down and let’s get started without further ado.

Key Takeaway

• Electric vehicles (EVs) require chargers to keep their batteries charged, and solar-powered EV chargers work by converting solar power into electricity to charge the vehicle. Components of an EV solar charging system include solar panels, inverters, a battery storage system, and electric vehicle supply equipment.
• Solar-powered EV chargers offer several benefits, including cost savings, the ability to charge during power outages, reduced reliance on grid power, and a more environmentally responsible charging option.
• Before installing a solar electric car charging station, it’s essential to consider factors such as charging time, cable length, plug type, portability, installation costs, and safety certification to ensure a smooth and efficient charging experience.

What is EV charging and how do they work?

Electric vehicles, like any other chargeable item or technology, require an EV charger to keep the battery charged. An EV charger, like any other appliance or item that you charge by plugging into the wall. It pulls an electrical current from either a 240v outlet or the grid it’s hardwired to and delivers it to the car.

On the other hand, the electric car chargers that use solar panels work slightly differently. They might be a dedicated solar power device or a regular electric car charger connected to extra equipment within an existing solar system.

There are many components that together make up an electric car solar charging system, here is the list-

• Solar panels: For converting solar power into DC electricity.
• Inverter: The electric cars require AC power for charging and the solar panel’s supply. Hence, using inverters is quite necessary in order to convert the DC charge into AC.
• Battery Storage System: You won’t be using all the solar energy at a time, neither would you charge your electric car all day long. So, a battery storage system will help you ensure that solar energy doesn’t get wasted.
• Electric vehicle supply equipment: It’s made up of an interface, software, electrical conductors, and protocols that allow electricity to be safely delivered to your vehicle’s battery.

Benefits of solar power EV charging station

When you buy or lease an electric vehicle, the dealer gives you a charging cable that plugs into your home’s standard 120V outlet. It will charge your car very slow and there will be a time when you would want to charge your car as fast as possible.

However, for that, you will have to buy Level 2 or 3 chargers, install a circuit and hire a licensed electrician. All this will cost you a hefty sum which you wouldn’t want to spend. So, what’s the solution? Well, the best way is to switch to s solar power EV charging station.

Solar EV chargers are a very effective way of saving money. You can leverage your solar energy system to charge your cars efficiently without having to go anywhere.

Moreover, it is also better than the grid power way of charging. That’s not the end of the benefits, here is a list of a few more-

1. You can charge your car even when there is a power outage.
2. You will save a lot of grid power and as a result a lot of money.
3. You will take a step towards a responsible future.
4. You can charge your electric vehicle from your comfy home.

Types of solar electric vehicle chargers

There are two ways to charge your electric vehicle using solar power. Here is a brief description of both of them-

Integrated EV charger

Integrated solar electric chargers with an inverter to convert DC to AC energy are known as integrated solar electric chargers.

As a result, combining a solar inverter with a charger is a brilliant solution that removes the need for a separate EV charger, as well as additional wiring and future electrical modifications.

Separate installation

Separate installations are good for those houses where the solar system has already been installed.

To make the best out of this method, you will have to get microinverters that equip each solar panel to work independently.

How many solar panels would you need to charge your EV?

The number of solar panels required for charging will directly depend on the EV battery capacity.

Unlike DC fast chargers, charging from home chargers might take a little more time. However, how fast your car charges at your home using solar energy will directly depend on the solar panels installed.

Check the daily output energy from your solar panel and divide the EV battery capacity by it. This will give you a rough idea of how many panels you may need to install if you charge your car every day completely off-grid.

Things to consider before installing a solar electric car charging station

Now that you know the befits and other important details about EV charging, it is time to look at the crucial consideration factors because just deciding to go off-grid is not enough.

Go through the following points and makes sure to consider them if you want to buy smartly.

Charging time

EV owners need enough energy from their solar energy system to charge their cars. However, if you don’t have the correct charger, you will face issues.

The charging time of any EV charger depends on the Level. Generally, there are three levels of charging stations-

Level 1: 110V, 8-16 hours (overnight charging)

Level 2: 240V, 6-8 hours

DC fast charging or Level 3: 480V, 10-30 minutes

So, the level of charge you buy will play an important role in determining the time taken to charge your electric vehicle.

Weigh your needs, consider the distance you travel in one go, and then make a decision.

Cable length

The cable length is a very crucial factor to consider. In general, the EV charging cables are 15 feet long, but that is not enough. Try looking for chargers at least 20 feet long.

Plug type

There are two types of chargers based on their plug types- Hard wired and plug-in.

In hardwiring, the device is permanently attached to the power source, making it impossible to remove without first opening the charger and removing the wiring.

On the other hand, a plug-in unit is one that plugs into an electrical outlet rather than being permanently linked to the power supply.

Portability

Electric car chargers are generally quite heavy, but recent advancements have introduced quite portable chargers. If you don’t want to buy a heavy charger, you must ensure that the one you buy is easy to carry.

Installation costs

You must calculate the cost of installing your new EV charging stations to meet your charging needs. Make a list of all the things that you will have to buy and look for the best offers.

Safety certification

The EV charges can prove to be dangerous if they are not properly tested or certified. You must ensure that the charger you are buying has undergone third-party testing or has a security certificate from a reputed institution.

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Summing Up

Electric cars are the future indubitably and if you are considering buying one, then it is a great investment. However, you must remember that these cars are nothing without a good charger, so make sure to invest in an excellent one.

Now that you know all the necessary details about the EV chargers, make a station for your home today!