Harnessing the Sun: is solar energy a good alternative to charge EVs?

How much solar energy is required to charge an electric vehicle?

To power a typical home, around 20 solar panels are needed, so charging the EV could consume more than half of the solar energy generated for the house. Approximately 7 to 12 solar panels are required to charge a compact electric vehicle, depending on available sunlight and miles driven. According to the Federal Highway Administration, an American drives an average of 13,400 miles per year, which would require about 12 kWh daily to charge the EV.

Using solar energy to charge an electric vehicle might seem beneficial, but besides the number of panels needed, the variability of solar energy is a crucial factor. In regions with cloudy or variable weather, these conditions can limit solar energy generation to just a few kilowatt-hours per day, potentially resulting in the need for additional electricity from the grid. Additionally, solar panels have a limited lifespan and must be replaced every few years.

The batteries of an electric vehicle typically last an average of 10 years before needing replacement, a process that can cost from $2,500 to $20,000. It is important to highlight this information since charging the EV with solar energy could require frequent charges, leading to potential battery degradation due to excess charging cycles.