Charging Your EV With Solar Power

Nice work making the switch to an electric vehicle! Now let’s talk charging( in particular, charging your EV with solar power)  – because relying on public stations? They’re often a hassle. Out of the way, slow, and sometimes already in use. If you want something cheaper and more convenient, it’s time to look at better options.

At Voltora Industries, we reckon having a home charger installed is the way to go. What’s more, if you’ve got solar power at your home, you can further reduce your carbon footprint and charge your car for less. We’re going to talk about that today –  integrating your EV charging with your home solar system, and the benefits you will enjoy. 

There’s a bit more to it than plugging in and driving off fuelled by sunshine. Let’s walk through why using solar to charge your EV is a good idea, how it works and what you need. 

Why Use Solar to Charge Your EV?

It’s a satisfying feeling charging your EV directly from the sun. It’s a clean source of renewable energy that is totally free once you have your solar system and EV charger installed. No more relying on public charging stations, no more using the expensive grid, where power prices can change depending on the time of day. 

Instead, you’re cutting down your carbon footprint and your power bill. It’s a win-win.

How Solar EV Charging Works

Your solar panels soak up sunlight and convert it into energy. This is then sent to your inverter and converted into electricity that’s used around the home. It fuels your appliances, lights and air conditioning, and yes, it also charges your electric vehicle. 

Your EV charger simply draws electricity from the residential solar system like your other appliances do, too. There is a bit more to think about, though, if you really want to maximise the cost and sustainability benefits. We’ll get to those below.

What Do You Need?

Aside from the fact that an electric vehicle is an obvious requirement, there are a couple of essential purchases needed to integrate your EV charging with your solar power. These are:

1. A Residential Solar System

Residential rooftop solar systems range from 5 kW to 15 kW or even higher. That’s plenty sufficient to charge your EV. You may experience longer charging times with the smaller systems, particularly if it’s a cloudy day. If you have any questions about the right solar system to get, the Voltora team are here to guide you. 

2. An EV Charger

You can plug your EV into a standard wall socket, but it’s not exactly fast. A dedicated EV charger, especially one that’s solar-aware, will charge your car quicker and more efficiently. Some chargers can even prioritise using excess solar only, avoiding grid power altogether.

3. A Smart Charging System (Optional)

Smart chargers or solar monitoring systems can help you fine-tune when and how you charge your EV. They can wait until solar production is high before sending energy to your car, helping you use as much sunshine as possible and as little as possible from the grid.

Timing is Everything

The higher the sun is in the sky, the more energy your solar system is cranking out. This means the peak hours are normally between 10am and 3pm. Which is great, if you work from home or can leave your vehicle at home during the day. For busy commuters who drive to the office, you’re a bit out of luck – although there are a couple of workarounds:

• Install a home battery system to store your solar energy for later use.
• Schedule charging for low grid rate periods (like overnight) if your EV charger or app allows.

A Bit More About Batteries…

Adding a battery to your home solar power setup may not be a cheap option, but it could prove beneficial to your budget over an extended period of time. They allow you to store unused solar energy and use it to charge your car later, even after the sun has set and you’ve returned from work. 

It’s an investment, no doubt, but it adds flexibility and helps you rely even less on the grid. It’s worth checking in with our team about what government rebates are currently available for solar batteries.

Is It Worth It?

For many Brisbane households, the answer is a resounding yes. Pairing solar with your EV means you’re maximising the value of both. Your power bills go down. Your reliance on fossil fuels drops. You’re doing your bit for a greener future.

It takes a bit of planning and research before landing on the perfect system, but it’s worth it.

Ready to Get Started Charging Your EV with Solar Power?

If you’ve already got solar and an EV, you’re halfway there. Look into adding a smart charger that can manage solar input. If you’re still early in the journey, have a chat with a solar and EV charging professional to figure out the right size system and gear for your lifestyle.

Remember, every bit of solar energy you use is one less bit you need from the grid. And when it comes to charging your car with pure Queensland sunshine, that’s something worth getting excited about.

As always, Voltora Industries is here for you and all your electrical needs. Get in touch today if you have any questions about EV home chargers, solar power systems and the integration between them!