The Benefits of Powering Your EV With Solar

As of September 2023, there are more than 1,450,000 electric vehicles on the road in the United States, with numbers expected to continue to soar. 

People drive EVs for several reasons; some want to reduce their carbon footprint, while others like the style or the brand. Regardless of your reasoning, solar energy can power your EV, and it has all kinds of benefits. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of solar-powered EV chargers, the features of these systems, and how Solera Energy can equip your property with one of these charging stations.

The Advantages of Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations

Solar power is quickly becoming a popular tool for powering everything from EVs to whole homes. There are many benefits to installing a solar-powered EV charger at your home. Just a few perks include the following:

Environmental Benefits

The most obvious advantage of solar-powered EV charging stations is their lack of carbon footprint. These systems exclusively use solar power to charge up electric vehicles. Rather than plugging into an electrical system powered by various fuels (including fossil fuels), your EV uses clean solar power.

Cost Savings

Solar-powered EV chargers can save you money in the long run. These systems help you to be less reliant on your local electrical grid. These systems also qualify for federal and state tax credits, making them less expensive to install than ever before.

Increased Accessibility

Access to electricity for your EV is crucial. Rather than hoping to find an open EV charger in public, you’ll have access to one on your property. These systems make it easy to plug in overnight and wake up daily with a fully charged vehicle.

Reliability

The sun is the most reliable source of energy on Earth. Even on a cloudy day, a solar-powered system will have stored energy for charging an electric vehicle. Unlike using a typical charger that’s connected to the local grid, solar-powered systems are immune from sudden power outages.

Key Features of Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations

Solar-powered EV chargers have various special features that make life easier for an EV owner. A few common features include:

Solar Panel Technology

These units use the sun’s power to deliver electricity to your vehicle. Panels on the unit take in power all day, so you can have a reliable source of energy when you need it.

Battery Storage

Solar-powered EV charging stations feature battery systems for storing excess energy. This means that no matter the time of day you need to charge, your system will have energy for you. 

Smart Charging Options

Newer models of EV charging systems include smart technology built into the system. This allows owners to see how much power is available, get notifications of any system issues, and more.

Network Connectivity

Solar-powered EV chargers can often connect to a home network, making it easy for owners to keep tabs on any issues within the system. This can be convenient to catch small issues before they get worse.

 

The Future of Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations

As electric vehicles grow in popularity, finding ways to keep them charged is also a growing concern. 

You’ve probably noticed charging stations in grocery store parking lots and some parking decks, but having one in your garage makes much more sense than relying on public charging. 

If you drive your car at decent distances, consider the Electrify America app, which connects drivers to nearby charging stations. They are also working to build hundreds more solar-powered electric charging stations in the near future. 

All forecasts point to solar being the way of the future, and more homeowners than ever are installing solar-powered chargers.

 

Comparison to Traditional EV Charging Methods

Traditional EV chargers differ from solar-powered ones in a variety of ways. A few major differences include:

• Power source: Traditional systems use whichever fuel source the local electrical grid uses, including fossil fuels.
• Connectivity: Solar-powered systems often include features that make it easy to keep tabs on the system.
• Independence: Traditional systems require the local power grid to work properly, while a solar-powered system lets you charge up during an outage.

 

Schedule EV Charger Installation in Missouri & NW Arkansas

Solera Energy specializes in ‘green’ energy systems throughout Missouri and NW Arkansas. We can install a solar-powered EV charging station for your home or business. These units qualify for various tax incentives to help cover the cost. They also last for up to 40 years before needing replacement.

 

Enjoy the many advantages of solar-powered EV chargers. Call now or contact Solera Energy online to schedule an installation.