Why Solar + EV?
If you drive an electric vehicle—or plan to—adding solar panels creates a powerful combination. Instead of paying for gasoline AND electricity, you generate your own fuel from your roof.
Benefits of Solar + EV
- Free fuel: Generate your own electricity to charge
- Double savings: Eliminate gas AND electric bills
- True zero emissions: Clean energy from source to wheel
- Hedge against rates: Lock in your fuel cost
- Increased solar ROI: More usage = faster payback
How Much Solar Do You Need?
EV Charging Requirements
| Driving Amount | Annual kWh | Extra Solar Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Light (8,000 mi/yr) | ~2,400 kWh | +1.5-2 kW |
| Average (12,000 mi/yr) | ~3,600 kWh | +2-3 kW |
| Heavy (18,000 mi/yr) | ~5,400 kWh | +3-4 kW |
Rule of thumb: Add 2-3 kW to your baseline solar system for typical EV charging needs. If you're sizing a new system, include your EV usage from the start.
Example System Sizing
- Home usage: 10,000 kWh/year = ~7 kW system
- EV usage: 3,500 kWh/year = +2.5 kW
- Total system: ~9.5 kW
Charger Options
Level 1 vs Level 2
| Feature | Level 1 (120V) | Level 2 (240V) |
|---|---|---|
| Charging speed | 3-5 miles/hour | 25-30 miles/hour |
| Full charge time | 20-40 hours | 4-8 hours |
| Equipment cost | Free (included) | $300-700 |
| Installation | None (plug in) | $200-1,000 |
| Best for | Light drivers, hybrids | Daily drivers, full EVs |
Popular Level 2 Chargers
- ChargePoint Home Flex: 50 amp, WiFi, $550-650
- Grizzl-E: Durable, simple, $400-500
- JuiceBox: Smart features, solar integration, $550-650
- Tesla Wall Connector: For Tesla owners, $400-500
- Emporia: Budget-friendly, smart, $400-500
Combined Costs
Adding EV Charging to Solar Install
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Level 2 charger | $300-700 |
| Installation (if with solar) | $200-500 |
| Panel upgrade (if needed) | $1,500-3,000 |
| Additional solar (2-3 kW) | $5,000-9,000 |
Bundling Saves Money
Installing your EV charger at the same time as solar often saves on installation costs—the electrician is already there, and panel capacity can be planned together.
Savings Breakdown
Annual Savings Example
- Gas savings: 12,000 miles at 25 MPG and $3.50/gal = $1,680/year
- Minus charging cost: 3,600 kWh at $0.15 = $540/year
- Net savings (grid charging): $1,140/year
- With solar (free charging): $1,680/year
Payback Acceleration
Adding EV charging to your solar usage accelerates payback because you're offsetting expensive gasoline, not just electricity. Every mile you drive on solar is money saved twice.
Smart Charging
Optimize for Solar Production
- Daytime charging: Charge when panels are producing
- Smart charger scheduling: Automate to solar hours
- Battery pairing: Store solar for overnight charging
- Time-of-use rates: If no solar, charge off-peak
With vs Without Battery
| Scenario | Approach |
|---|---|
| Solar only, home during day | Charge during peak sun hours |
| Solar only, away during day | Charge when you get home (evening sun or grid) |
| Solar + battery | Store solar during day, charge car overnight |
| Net metering area | Any time works—credits offset charging |
The Bottom Line
Solar + EV is a winning combination. You eliminate two bills—electricity and gasoline—while driving on clean energy you generate yourself.
Key takeaways:
- Add 2-3 kW to your solar system for typical EV charging
- Level 2 charger ($500-700 installed) is worth it for daily drivers
- Bundle installation with solar for cost savings
- Smart chargers help maximize solar self-consumption
- Expect $2,500-4,000/year in combined savings
Planning Solar + EV?
Our AI can help you size a system that covers both your home and EV charging needs.
Ask About Solar + EV