The Perfect Pair: Electric Vehicles and Solar Energy

You took the wheel and made the smart decision to buy an electric vehicle (EV). Now you can drive around with confidence knowing you’re saving money on gas and saving the environment too! Our Green Alternatives team is here to tell you that you can be doing even more. There is no better pairing for earth-conscious drivers than EVs and solar panels. Both of these innovative technologies are alternatives to the status quo and are paving the way for a more sustainable future for all of us. 

EVs and Solar Panels: A match made in heaven

With fuel prices reaching record highs, more people are switching to electric vehicles. However, that’s just one of many reasons people choose to drive electric. EVs reduce pollution and the emission of harmful gasses, making them better for the earth and everyone on it. Additionally, they require less maintenance than gas-powered cars.

Yes, charging your EV can be a time-consuming and relatively expensive task. The solution? Solar panels. Having solar panels at your home is the most convenient way to power your car and reduce your monthly electric bill. According to this article from Science Daily, EV owners can reduce annual electricity costs by almost 40 percent if they charge at home with solar energy during off-peak hours instead of relying on the grid.

How does it work?

Solar panel systems convert direct current into alternating current, the form of electricity needed to power up your home’s appliances and your vehicle. You will need to purchase a home-charging station to redirect power from your solar panels to your EV. Once purchased and installed, you can charge your car for no additional cost.

The most common time to charge an EV is at night when the sun is down, and electricity is no longer being generated. By using solar storage, you can get the most out of your panels and continue consuming power even after it was generated. That way, your car will be fully charged for your early morning commute.

Choosing the right company to install solar

Installing solar panels to pair with your EV sounds like a great idea, right? But the question I’m sure you’re all asking is, ”Can I afford it?” With the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, solar panels are more affordable than ever for millions of families. You can learn more about the new bill in this blog. Still, we recognize that solar panels are an investment which is why you shouldn’t trust just any solar company to install them. Experience and attention to detail make a big difference. Work with a proven solar partner that has a team of certified technicians, will stay within your budget and will use the most high-quality materials.

At Green Alternatives, we will help determine how many panels you need to charge your car before creating your custom solar panel system. For questions on solar panels and EVs, our service contracts or solar energy, call us at 765-480-2423, or email gai@solargai.com.