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How Do I Charge My EV Using Solar?

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Electric vehicles (EVs) and solar energy are truly a match made in heaven. If you’re a proud owner of both an EV and a solar panel setup for your home—or you’re considering one—you’re sitting on top of a green energy goldmine. Here’s a guide to harnessing that solar power to keep your EV charged and cruising the streets.

Step 1: Assess Your Solar Capacity

Before you can start charging your EV with solar, you need to ensure that your solar panel system is producing enough energy to meet your home’s needs and have some to spare for your vehicle. This means evaluating your system’s current capacity based on factors such as the number and orientation of your solar panels, local climate conditions, and typical household energy use.

To estimate the available solar power for EV charging:

  • Calculate the average daily solar energy production of your panels.
  • Subtract your home’s average daily electricity consumption.
  • Consider the additional energy needed to charge your EV.

Remember—efficiency is key. You can improve the performance of your solar panels by keeping them clean and making sure they’re not shaded by trees or buildings. Installing a solar battery storage system can also help you save the sun’s energy for when you need it most.

Step 2: Install an EV Charger Compatible with Solar

Once you’re certain that your solar setup can handle the extra charge, it’s time to install an EV charging station that works with your solar system. There are various types of charging stations, ranging from Level 1 (standard 120-volt wall plug) to Level 3 (DC fast chargers). Level 2 chargers are the most common choice for home use as they offer faster charging times without the hefty price tags of Level 3 chargers.

Choose a Level 2 charger that’s compatible with a solar inverter. It should allow for scheduling charging times during peak solar production hours and provide data on your EV’s energy consumption. Some models even link with smart home systems to optimize charging times automatically.

Step 3: Link Your EV Charger to Your Solar System

Your machine should now be humming with the potential of solar energy. The final step is to connect the EV charger to your solar system. This typically involves:

  • Working with a certified electrician to ensure a safe connection that meets local building codes.
  • Programming your EV charger’s scheduling features to charge during peak solar hours.
  • Setting up the charger’s monitoring system so you can keep track of how much solar energy is powering your EV.
  • Enjoying guilt-free, solar-charged rides while reducing your carbon footprint.

Maximize Your Solar, Fuel Your EV – Talk to Solar Bear of Tampa

If you’re ready to take the next step toward sustainable driving and lower energy bills, the experts at Solar Bear Tampa are here to help. We can analyze your current energy situation, design a customized solar solution, and install the perfect EV charger to keep your ride powered by the sun. Contact us today at (727) 471-7442 for a free consultation and let’s start your solar-powered EV journey!