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Can solar panels charge Electric cars? – TPG
With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), many people are looking for sustainable and eco-friendly ways to charge their cars. One of the most promising solutions is to use solar panels to generate electricity to charge EVs. According to Empower Solar, you are able to generate power with your solar system and save upwards of $1,000 annually as compared to having a gas-powered car. In this article, we will discuss whether solar panels can charge electric cars and the benefits of using this solution.
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Can Solar Panels Charge Electric Cars?
The simple answer is yes; solar panels can charge electric cars. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, which can be stored in batteries or directly used to charge electric vehicles. The process involves installing a solar panel system on your roof or in your yard and connecting it to an EV charging station. The EV charging station is responsible for converting the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used to charge your car. It is estimated that one requires around 3,500 kWh a year to power their vehicle and this requires a 2-5 kWh solar system. Charging an EV with solar power has also been considered to be cheaper than charging with grid energy or public EV chargers. According to the US Energy Information Administration estimates, by 2023 24% of the generated electricity in the US will be from renewables.
Benefits of Using Solar Panels to Charge Electric Cars

1. Renewable Energy
Using solar panels to charge electric cars is an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution. Solar energy is renewable and does not produce greenhouse gasses or other harmful emissions contributing to air pollution and climate change. The time taken to charge an electric car using solar power is dependent on the amount of sunlight and the panels used on the roof. On a sunny day, it is possible for the solar panels to generate over 40kWh of electricity which is quite sufficient to charge a 40kWh battery in an EV.

2. Cost-Effective:
Using solar panels to charge electric cars can save money on electricity bills. Once the solar panel system is installed, it generates free energy from the sun, reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid. This can result in significant cost savings over the life of the system.

3. Independence from the Grid:
Installing a solar panel system to charge electric cars can provide energy independence from the grid. This means that you do not have to rely on the electricity grid to charge your car, which can be particularly useful during power outages or emergencies.

4. Easy Installation:
Installing solar panels for EV charging is relatively easy and straightforward. Most solar panel companies offer packages that include solar panels, EV charging stations, and installation services. This means you do not have to worry about finding separate contractors to install each component. It is also important to reach out to Tellus Power Green who will advise on what charging models to purchase according to your needs.

5. Increased Home Value:
Installing a solar panel system can increase the value of your home. According to a study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar panels installed have a higher resale value than homes without solar panels.

Conclusion Using solar panels to charge electric cars is a viable and sustainable solution. The benefits of using solar energy to charge EVs include cost savings, energy independence, environmental sustainability, and increased home value. While the initial investment for installing a solar panel system may seem high, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it a smart choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. Tellus is an experienced large-scale charging station manufacturer with over 10,000 DC fast chargers installed globally and counting. The hardware of the DC charger is durable and reliable. Tellus Power Green EV chargers are not only universal chargers, but also provide parallel charging, which means charging both EVs at the same time.


Sources:
Charging Your EV With Solar Panels and Using IRA Incentives To Bring Down the Cost | Solar.com Can solar panels charge an electric car? | DrivingElectric How to Use Your Solar Panels to Charge Your Electric Vehicle – EmPower Solar (empower-solar.com)