4 MIN. READ
Key takeaways:
- You can charge an EV with solar in Florida, but you’ll likely need a solar battery or a solar-capable EV charger.
- Central Florida homeowners should ask about panel upgrades, solar-first charging options, and local incentives before scheduling their EV charger installation.
- EVPlugz helps Central Florida families design solar-ready EV charging setups with efficiency and safety in mind.
What if you could charge your EV for less with clean energy? You could combine EV ownership with solar energy.
A growing number of families in Florida are installing solar panels to cut energy costs and lower their reliance on the grid, and solar power is a great way to keep your EV charged.
If you’d like to explore this energy-efficient setup, read on to learn more about how an EV charger installation connects to solar panels.
Can You Power Your EV With Solar Energy?
The short answer is yes, you can power your EV with solar in Florida. However, the details depend on how you size and design your system.
First of all, you’ll need a solar array with enough panels to generate power for your EV. The other important thing to consider is that your solar panels can’t charge your EV directly:
- The output from your solar panels isn’t constant. A simple shadow passing over your panels is enough to cause a noticeable drop in voltage, followed by a spike.
- EV charging, on the other hand, needs a continuous flow of electricity to avoid damaging the charger and battery.
- You also have to consider that your panels only produce energy during the day, usually when you’re away from home, driving your EV.
The solution is to invest in a home battery. You can use a battery to store the energy your solar system produces throughout the day, with a solar charge controller managing the drops and spikes in voltage from your panel. Once you have a charge in your battery, you can use it to deliver a continuous load to your EV charger and charge up with clean energy.
Another option is to use net metering. If your utility offers a net metering program, you can enroll and sell any excess energy produced by your panels to the grid. This gives you access to credits that you can use to charge your EV for less.
EVPlugz also offers EV charger installations that support solar-optimized charging for select customers. Contact EVPlugz to explore how solar EV charging can reduce charging costs and maximize the use of your solar energy.
Why EV Charger Placement Matters in Solar Homes
If you want to power your EV charger with a solar battery, charger placement will depend on what kind of setup you want:
- You can wire the EV charger directly to the solar battery. In this case, it’s best to place the charger as close as possible to the battery for a simple installation that will prevent energy losses.
- The other option is to connect your EV charger and your battery to your home’s main panel. Your panel can then power your EV charger by drawing electricity from the battery and switch to the main grid if the battery is empty.
This second option gives you more flexibility, but you may require a panel upgrade to increase its capacity and handle switching between the grid and the battery.
You also have to consider compliance and convenience. There are a few rules to follow for EV charger placement, and you’ll need to pick a spot where you can safely leave your car parked for a while. EVPlugz will help you determine the best solution during your free EV charger installation consultation..
What to Ask Your Installer Before Combining EV and Solar
A solar-powered EV charger is an exciting investment that will bring the cost of charging your car down while ensuring you always use clean electricity when driving.
There are some important questions to ask when planning for this project:
- Many Central Florida homes, especially older ones, don’t have panels that can handle EV charging or interact with a battery. Find out what kind of upgrade you’ll need.
- Do you need an EV charger that prioritizes solar power over electricity from the grid? If yes, you’ll need a panel with smart features that can automatically switch between different energy sources.
- What size solar system do you need? A local electrician like EVPlugz can do a load calculation and give you a better idea of how many solar panels you’ll need.
- Can you save money with an incentive? As a Florida resident, you can save on a solar energy system with a 30% green energy credit and no sales taxes. There are also rebates from utilities, such as Duke Energy, covering some of your electrical upgrades.
Combining EV charging and solar energy takes some planning. With the right installer by your side, like EVPlugz, you can approach this project with a solid plan.
Plan for Solar-Powered EV Charging Station Installation With EVPlugz
EVPlugz designs and installs safe, reliable, and efficient EV charging systems for families and businesses making the switch to clean energy. Whether you need a new EV charger installation or want to connect charging to your solar array, we can help you plan the project step by step.
Contact EVPlugz today at 321-549-7002 or online to get started on your project.
FAQ
Can I install an EV charger with solar panels later?
Yes, you can add a charger after installing solar, but you may spend less by planning both at the same time.
Do I need a battery to power my EV from solar?
No, you can rely on net metering credits without a battery. However, a battery gives you more direct control, lets you charge at night from stored solar, and acts as a backup during outages.
Where should I place my EV charger?
EV charger placement comes down to two main factors: cost and convenience. Installing closer to the electrical panel typically lowers installation costs, while placing the charger near your vehicle’s charging port improves everyday ease of use. EVPlugz helps you find the best balance during your consultation.
