Solar panels and battery backup are a smart investment for most California homeowners, and if you drive an electric vehicle, the benefits are tenfold. Charging your EV with solar panels is the most economical and environmentally friendly option, and battery storage makes it possible to charge with solar 24/7.
You Get the Most Affordable Charge with Solar
Electric cars are almost always more affordable to fuel than gas vehicles, primarily because they’re more efficient. According to research conducted by Consumer Reports, EV drivers spend about 60% less on fuel costs annually compared to gas-powered vehicle drivers. That’s a big difference, but without solar, you still have to pay to charge your EV, either at a public charging station or through an increase in your electric bills when you charge at home.
When you install solar panels, however, you’ll be able to charge your EV with electricity you generate yourself for free. If you’re like most EV drivers, you probably like to charge your car overnight so it’s ready to go when you wake up the next day. Unfortunately, your solar panels aren’t much use after dark since they need sunlight to generate electricity. That’s where a battery comes in. Your solar panels will charge your battery during the day so you can use stored solar energy to charge your EV at night.
Of course, you have to factor in the upfront cost of a solar panel and battery installation, which isn’t cheap. But the long-term savings make the investment worth it. Over time, your solar panel and battery system will pay for itself and once you break even, you’ll be charging your car and powering your home for free.
Solar with Storage Takes Fossil Fuels Out of the Equation
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which significantly reduces their environmental impact, but the electricity generated to charge them does produce emissions—if you charge from the electric grid. When you charge from solar power, you will be driving on 100% clean, renewable energy, eliminating carbon emissions from your day-to-day transportation.
At-Home Solar EV Charging Is Safe & Convenient
When you have solar panels and battery backup, charging at home allows you to take advantage of the free power you’re generating. You also avoid the hassle and potential safety risks associated with charging your car at a public station. And, if you spring for the trifecta—solar, storage, and a wall charger—you’ll have the fastest, most convenient, and most affordable charging setup possible.
Find a Solar Panel & Battery Installer Near You In California
It’s clear that the best way to charge an EV is at home with solar power. But finding a solar company you can trust to install the best solar setup for your home isn’t easy. There are thousands of solar installers in California and they don’t all provide the same level of quality.
The Clean Energy Connection connects you with the best solar energy companies in California. You can search our free directory to find licensed and vetted solar contractors in your area, cutting down on research time and ensuring you find a reliable contractor for your solar panel and battery installation.