The solar panels and charging stations sector is experiencing rapid growth, following a similar evolution. Charging your electric vehicle with solar energy has both ecological and economic advantages. In addition, it increases your self-consumption.
In this article, we are going to find out in detail why solar panels and electric cars are a perfect combination.
The use of solar panels is an ecological solution to generate electricity. Unlike polluting sources, solar panels do not produce any harmful emissions during their operation. In Ghana, their carbon footprint is estimated at only 23 g CO2/kWh, far from coal-fired power plants that reach 820 g CO2/kWh.
In addition, solar panels are highly recyclable, with a recycling rate up to 95%.
By installing a solar system, you benefit from the electricity produced free of charge, allowing you to charge your vehicle at no additional cost.
Namely that the installation of solar panels for individuals can be done on the roof of the house or building. As for businesses, this can either be done through a solar carport or via a solar field.
To find out more about the ecological footprint of solar panels, see the following article: The ecological footprint of solar panels.
Currently, there are a lot ofMisconceptions about electric vehicles.
However, from an ecological point of view, the electric car represents the most environmentally friendly motorized transport solution. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors do not produce any polluting emissions, thus contributing to the improvement of air quality and the reduction of CO2 emissions.
An important point to know is that, according to the ICCT, Every year, around 500,000 premature deaths worldwide are linked to pollution from internal combustion vehicles. It is therefore essential to switch to electric vehicles to maintain our health.
In addition, In Ghana, An electric vehicle emits around 65% less CO2 over its entire life cycle compared to an internal combustion vehicle, considering the current energy mix. (source: Transport & Environment). By charging your electric car with solar energy, you can further reduce your environmental impact and contribute to the energy transition.
From an economic point of view, electric vehicles offer undeniable advantages, even without the use of solar panels. However, combining an electric vehicle with solar panels is the ideal option, because it allows you to benefit from a source offree energy in the long term.
To learn more about the misconceptions about electric vehicles, you can consult the following article: Misconceptions about electric vehicles.
In summary, charging your electric car with solar panels has many advantages:
If you already own an electric vehicle or are considering buying one, it is It is essential to properly size your solar installation. Indeed, it adds a new consumer.
To do this, it is recommended to increase the production capacity of your installation by adding more solar panels. In general, an increase in production area of around 50% is recommended, which represents an additional investment of around €2500 to charge an electric vehicle.
As a general rule, to charge an electric car in one day, it is necessary to install between 6 and 8 solar panels with a power of 400 W each, i.e. a total power of 2400 to 3000 W.
For example, an average family with 2 children consumes an average of 4000 kWh of electricity per year. The addition of an electric vehicle represents additional consumption. However, it is difficult to give a precise figure because it can vary depending on several factors such as kilometers driven, vehicle fuel efficiency, driving style, driving conditions, charging habits, etc.
In addition, by sizing your solar installation to recharge your electric vehicle, you can maximize your self-consumption.
It is recommended to consider theInstalling a storage battery to charge your electric vehicle in the evening.
Indeed, you will often need to charge your vehicle in the evening, while your solar panels produce excess electricity during the day. Installing a storage battery will allow you to use this excess energy during off-peak hours.
If you are considering installing a storage battery, do not hesitate to ask We Green for a quote: Ask for a quote.
It is strongly recommended toinstall a charging station dedicated for your electric vehicle. Charging stations offer many advantages, such as greater charging power compared to a standard household outlet but also security features and adaptability to the various equipment in your home.
At We Green, we specialize in installing charging stations from the Smappee brand, which is renowned for their exceptional quality, safety and design. In addition, the Smappee terminals we offer are equipped with advanced features such as smart charging. This makes it possible to optimize your electricity consumption, to control the charging of your electric vehicle and to adapt it according to the use of energy-consuming devices in your home.
To install a charging station, you can call on We Green: Ask for a quote.
In the future, your electric car could become a source of electricity for your home. This technology, known as V2H (Vehicle-to-Home), allows your electric vehicle battery to store the energy produced by your solar panels during the day. This energy can then be used to power your home during the night or during periods of low solar production.
Although V2H technology is still limited, some electric cars are already equipped with this feature. However, with the increasing development of self-consumption of energy and the growing popularity of electric vehicles, it is likely that this technology will become widespread in the years to come. It would further reduce your energy bill and optimize your electricity consumption.
In conclusion, using solar panels to charge your electric vehicle is a solution that is both environmentally friendly and economical. LSolar panels produce clean and free energy, while electric vehicles contribute to the reduction of air pollution and CO2 emissions. By properly sizing your solar installation and considering solar energy storage as well asinstalling a charging station, you can maximize your self-consumption and take another step towards a sustainable energy future.
