It’s undeniable – the world is moving into the age of Electric Vehicles (EV). With fuel prices continuing an alarming upward trajectory, and EVs becoming more affordable than ever, Australians are expected to fully embrace the greener, cleaner global phenomenon.
Let’s see how that will play out on the roads – and what it means for your back pocket.
You have reached your destination – almost.
For as long as we can remember, refuelling the car was as simple as pulling into one of many petrol station options along your route. Fuel goes in, car drives off. Fast, efficient, effective. But, ultimately, expensive and unsustainable.
EV charging is the clean, renewable, cost-effective solution of the future. Problem is, the currently time-consuming charging demands of EVs mean that we need to reimagine our entire ‘refuelling’ paradigm. Installing conventional charging stations at petrol stations isn’t the answer (unless you’re ok with spending a couple of hours of browsing the servo sunnies rack while you wait for a full battery).
Taking control over your EV charging will play an enormous part in creating an ‘electrified future’. That’s where your solar system comes in.
Plug in to the sun
Do you have a solar system at home or work, or are considering installing one? By connecting an EV charging cable from your solar inverter to your car, you’ll replenish your EV battery using the clean energy your solar panels produce. It’s the sustainable, cost-effective motoring solution.
Solar EV Charging;
- Saves you thousands of dollars on power bills
- Offsets CO2 emissions from conventional car use
- Increases the return on investment from your solar system at home or work
- Low investment outlay – pays itself back quickly
How many panels will I need?
Many homeowners with existing solar panels have modest 5kW systems. And that’s totally ok. As long as your solar panels are producing power, you can charge your EV. Just remember that EVs are power hungry, so most of the kWs will be absorbed by your EV. With the world’s power needs at home and work ever increasing, it’s always a good idea to keep one eye on the future.
A system larger than 9-10kW is ideal (that’s about 27 solar panels (370w). That will allow you to make the most of your solar EV charger, while ensuring your home or workplace continues to enjoy the full benefits of your solar system.
Don’t have solar?
It’s still possible to charge an EV from your home or business without solar, it just means you’ll have to consume power from the grid rather than generate your own from the sun. There are two options for home EV charging – a regular 10-amp plug socket, or installing an EV charger. Home EV chargers typically charge at least twice as fast as a standard 10-amp point.
Where to next?
If the future is solar EV charging, the next evolution is ‘bi-directional’ charging capability. Unlike conventional charging capability (which uses a ‘unidirectional charger’ to convert AC electricity to DC electricity, bi-directional charging ability can convert DC back to AC, giving your EV a dual ability to both receive and supply solar energy.
Put simply, with ‘bi-directional charging’ capability, your EV’s battery will act as a power bank at your home or workplace. By charging your EV off peak, any excess solar energy you don’t use can be stored in that battery and either used later (when you need it most) or sold back to the grid during peak hours to optimise your profits.
Bi-directional charging is expected to be available in Australia in the coming years – watch this space.
Ready for the exciting EV future? Don’t be left behind. Solar My Home can help you fit and install the perfect rooftop solar system or EV charging station so you can start powering your car with free energy.
Call today for an obligation free quote – (08) 6209 7709.
REFERENCES
https://lightningsolar.com.au/solar-ev-chargers/
https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/transport/electric-vehicles/bidirectional-charging-explained.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/12/21/the-past-present-and-future-of-electric-vehicle-charging/?sh=6d22bab530aa
https://www.gio.com.au/know-more/on-the-road/what-is-the-future-of-electric-cars-in-australia.html