Author: Solar Bear

How Much Solar Does It Take To Charge An EV?

Solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs) are the perfect pairing. Not only are they both environmentally friendly, but charging an EV with solar is clean and convenient! But if you want to charge your EV with solar, how many panels does it take?

Our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando explain what you need to know to make the most of your clean energy!

Solar Energy & Charging Electric Vehicles

As you can imagine, answering this question is not simple. It depends on your specific solar panels, the EV battery’s efficiency, your driving habits, and more. But with a little math, we can estimate how many solar panels you might need.

Let’s start by figuring out how much energy you’ll likely need to charge your EV.

How Much Solar Energy Does it Take to Charge an EV?

First, you’ll have to calculate how many miles you travel per day and the efficiency rating of your specific EV.

Depending on your vehicle you may need to find:

• Miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)
• Kilowatt hours per 100 miles
• Miles per kWh

For this guide, we’ll be using the last measurement. If you don’t know it, take the MPGe and divide it by 33.705 and that will give you your mi/kWh.

Let’s say we use the Chevrolet Bolt as an example. It gets 120 MPGe or 3.56 miles per kWh.

So, now that we know this EV’s efficiency rating, we will divide the miles that you travel a day (say 37 miles) by the number of miles your Bolt can travel per kWh.

37 miles a day / 3.56 miles per kWh = 10.39 kWh a day.

Now you have the average amount of energy a Chevy bolt will use per day and how much solar energy it needs to be fully charged. Next, we will see how many solar panels you’ll need to generate the 10.39 kWh your EV needs each day.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?

Generally, it can take 5 to 12 solar panels to generate enough power to charge an EV, but this also depends on several factors. We’ll continue to use our Chevy Bolt as an example.

So, you need 10.29 kWh of electricity each day to charge your Bolt, so now we need to figure out how many solar panels generate that amount of electricity.

First, we need to calculate how many kWh of electricity one solar panel produces. This will vary based on the wattage of the panel, the manufacturer, and the number of hours of sunlight it gets each day.

It’s easy! Hours of daylight per day x panel wattage = watt hours per day

Divide the watt hours by 1,000 to get kWh and you’ll have the daily output of your panel.

Note: Generally, solar panel outputs range from 250 to 400 watts, but 400W is what we like to consider standard.

In Florida, we get a lot of sun, but on average the number of hours of sun ranges around 4.5-6. We’ll use 5 hours here.

5 hours of sun x 400 Watts 2,000 Watts a day, or 2 kWh a day.

Not we know how much one solar panel will produce. So how many panels do we need to charge our Chevy Bolt? We’re close!

Divide the kilowatt hours of electricity needed each day by the daily kWh output of the panel to get the number of panels you’ll need to adequately charge your EV.

10.29 kWh per day / 2 kWh per panel a day = 5.15 panels

Since we don’t have partial panels, we’d likely round this up to 6 total panels.

Charging Needs are Different

While this is meant to be an overview of how many panels you might need, it is always best to work with a professional solar company like Solar Bear Orlando who will calculate your needs based on your specific situation.

But generally, you’ll have a good idea when you take into account:

• The fuel efficiency of your EV
• Number of miles traveled each day
• The wattage of your solar panels
• The average amount of sun each day

Still not sure? That’s what we’re here for!

Choose Energy Efficiency This Year

If you are ready to harness the power of the sun and power up your EV, you’re in the right place! Our team of solar technicians can accurately calculate how many panels you’ll need based on your location and specific electric vehicle. Soon, you’ll be powering your EV with the sun’s rays! Exciting, isn’t it?

Ready to get started? Contact Solar Bear Orlando for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!

Our Guide to Understanding Basic Solar Panel Specifications

Welcome to the sunny side of life, especially if you’re soaking up the rays in Florida! Considering solar panels for your home in the Sunshine State? Smart move. But if you’re new to the world of solar, there are some terms and specifications you need to know. Here’s our guide to understanding basic solar panel specs.

Power Output

Starting with the basics, power output, or how much electricity your panels can generate, is your solar engine’s “horsepower.” Most panels today will give you around 400 watts of power, perfect for turning that blazing Florida sun into cool, clean electricity for your home. You can think of your panels as your personal power plant on your roof.

Efficiency

Efficiency is all about how well your panels convert sunlight into electrical power. With average efficiencies hovering between 19% and 21%, and the best panels pushing 22.8%, you’re getting more bang for your buck with higher efficiency, especially in sunny locales like Florida where maximizing sunlight is key.

Temperature Coefficient

Here’s where Florida’s heat comes into play. The temperature coefficient tells you how much your panel’s performance drops as things get hotter. Since solar panels, like most of us, aren’t fans of extreme heat, a lower temperature coefficient means your panels will perform better under the Florida sun.

Cell Type

Monocrystalline cells are the go-to for home installations, offering high efficiency and sleek aesthetics. With technologies like PERC and half-cut cells, modern panels are designed to maximize performance, making them ideal for harnessing Florida’s abundant sunlight.

Dimensions and Weight

Considering the size and weight of panels is crucial, especially for homes with unique roof lines or older structures. Most panels are manageable, but ensuring your roof can support them is key. In Florida, where hurricanes are a consideration, fitting the right-sized panels securely is even more important.

Maximum Surface Loads

Solar panels are built tough, ready to withstand high winds and heavy snow loads, though the latter is less of a concern in Florida. But remember, knowing your panels can stand up to hurricane-force winds offers peace of mind during stormy seasons.

Ready to Make the Switch to Solar? Solar Bear of Tampa

Understanding these specs is just the start. The real magic happens when you find a reliable solar installer who understands how to make the most of Florida’s most precious resource—our sunshine! Solar Bear of Tampa helps you navigate your solar options, ensuring you get the best system for your home, optimized for Florida’s unique climate and your specific needs.

So, if you’re ready to bask in the benefits of solar energy, reach out to us today at (727) 471-7442. Let’s harness the power of the Florida sun together, making the switch to solar simple, efficient, and tailored just for you!

What Are the Best Solar Batteries for 2024?

Picture a serene evening where your home basks in the glow of lights powered not by the unpredictable grid, but by the day’s abundant sunshine, safely stored in your solar battery. It’s a scenario that’s become a reality for households across the globe, thanks to advancements in solar battery technology. But how do you choose the home solar battery that’s right for you? Here’s a breakdown of this year’s leading solar batteries that promise to keep the lights on, your appliances running, and even your EV charged.

1. Solar Edge Home Battery

Our clear frontrunner is the Solar Edge Home Battery, thanks to its exceptional efficiency and robust energy storage capability. Designed for seamless integration with Solar Edge’s Home Wave Inverter, this battery simplifies the solar energy storage process, so it’s easier for homeowners to reduce their dependence on the grid. Its high round-trip efficiency and flexible installation options make it an excellent choice for those looking to make a long-term investment in their home’s energy future.

2. FranklinWH Apower

FranklinWH Apower stands out for its resilience and comprehensive warranty, offering peace of mind to homeowners wary of frequent power outages. Its 100% Depth of Discharge (DoD) capability means every bit of stored energy can be used, maximizing the utility of every sunny day. With its easy installation and durability, the FranklinWH battery is a steadfast ally in the quest for energy independence.

3. Enphase IQ Battery 10

Offering a unique advantage with its integrated inverter/storage system, the Enphase IQ Battery 10 delivers a customized approach to meeting your household energy needs. Its emphasis on safety and flexible sizing options make it an attractive choice for homeowners looking to adopt solar energy without compromising on reliability or aesthetics.

4. Tesla Powerwall

The Tesla Powerwall has become almost synonymous with home energy storage, thanks to its sleek design, versatility, and unparalleled efficiency. The Powerwall’s ability to seamlessly transition from grid to stored energy ensures that your home remains powered during outages, with the added benefit of reducing your electricity bills. It’s a testament to Tesla’s vision of a sustainable energy future for all.

5. LG Energy Prime

LG Energy Prime leverages LG’s longstanding reputation for quality and innovation, providing a solar battery solution that combines efficiency with durability. The RESU series is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of households, ensuring that your transition to solar energy is smooth, reliable, and even aesthetically pleasing.

Make the Most of Your Investment in Solar—Choose the Right Solar Battery

Need help picking out the perfect solar battery for your home solar setup? Solar Bear of Tampa can help! Whether you’re aiming for efficiency, reliability, or just trying to keep those gadgets running during a blackout, we’re here to make sure your switch to solar is as smooth as a sunny day in Tampa. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to learn more!

4 Tips For Feeling Confident About Your Solar Purchase

Going solar is an exciting proposition; you’ll save tens of thousands of dollars over time and can make an impact on global climate change. But while exciting, the buying process can be slightly overwhelming for many.

Solar panels are a large investment, and you want to ensure that you are making the right decision, but don’t worry, our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help! From choosing a reputable company to buying high-quality equipment, we will guide you on your way to energy independence!

Go solar with confidence when you follow these tips:

#1. Get Several Quotes

You wouldn’t go out and buy just any car or refrigerator, would you? No, you would sit down and try to find the best price that meets your needs. Before installing a solar system, make sure that you compare quotes from several solar companies so you can ensure that you are investing in a quality solar panel system at a fair price.

When reviewing the quotes you receive be sure to consider:

• The equipment
• The size of the system
• The company’s reputation
• Costs

Although no two solar quotes will be the same, any significant differences in pricing should be looked at a second time. Why such a price discrepancy? Make sure you understand the quote from top to bottom.

#2. Take Advantage of Tax Incentives & Rebates

We understand that many homeowners are wary of installing a solar system due to the overall cost of the system, but it is important to note that there are many tax incentives and rebates that homeowners can take advantage of that will lessen the sting.

The government offers substantial financial incentives at the federal, state, and local levels, which could ultimately reduce the cost of going solar by 50%.

While incentives vary widely throughout the country, federal incentives such as the Solar Tax Credit, are available wherever you live. This credit, known as the Investment Tax Credit or (ITC) allows you to apply 30% of the cost of installing a solar system as a credit on your federal taxes.

#3. Choose a Size That Will Grow With You

Using solar to power your home is one of the best ways to avoid dealing with fluctuations in energy rates from your local utility company.

If your system is sized appropriately, it could support your home’s entire electrical needs, you just have to make a plan for it. If you find that you are generating too much solar power, no problem! You can store that excess energy in your solar battery, or feed it back to the grid with Net Metering.

If you are planning on getting started with Net Metering or running your entire household on solar, just let our technicians know! We will ensure that your solar system is sized accordingly.

#4. Consider Solar Storage

Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining, which is great since we live in Florida! But as noted above, your solar panels may generate more electricity than you use, especially during sunny days, but without storage, you’ll lose it if you don’t find a way to use or store it.

Because of this, solar battery storage is crucial. The best part is that while you store your excess solar energy for when you need it—like a gloomy day or during inclement weather—solar batteries can also power your home and appliances during natural disasters or brown out in the electrical grid.

Go Solar in Central Florida with Solar Bear Orlando

Going solar can feel daunting, but don’t worry, we’ll be by your side every step of the way! From hassle-free quotes to expert installations, our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to make the process seamless and stress-free!

Ready to get started? Contact us for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!