Charging your electric vehicle with solar power exponentially cuts down energy costs while promoting a more sustainable future. The number of solar panels you would need to charge your car depends on several factors.
Miles Per Kilowatt-Hour (MPkWh)
Unlike gas-powered vehicles, which have their fuel efficiency measured in miles per gallon, electric cars utilize miles per kWh. By factoring in your daily driving habits, your car’s MPkWh will allow you to estimate how much energy is required and how frequently you’ll need to recharge. Typically, electric vehicles get between 2.5 and 4.5 MPkWh.
Battery Capacity (kWh)
Most electric vehicle manufacturers aim to give their cars enough battery capacity to drive for at least 250 miles. So, for example, a 2024 Tesla Model 3 with rear-wheel drive has a battery capacity of 60.2 kWh and a driving range of ~272 miles. Dividing 272 by 60.2 will give you the MPkWh of ~4.5.
What Are Your Driving Habits?
Do you drive to work five days a week, or do you work from home? Do you use your electric car to pick up your kids from school? Do you alternate between driving your electric vehicle and a gas-powered car? Answering these questions will help you determine how often you will need to charge your electric vehicle. Someone living on their own and working remotely may drive their car less than 50 miles during a typical week. On the other hand, a working parent who commutes to and from work and drives their kids around could be driving upwards of 300 miles in a week.
Battery Charging Tips
To extend the battery’s longevity, we recommend charging it to a maximum of 80% of its full capacity. Keeping your electric vehicle charged between 25% and 80% optimizes its energy efficiency while putting minimal stress on the battery. This may sound strange if you are used to driving a gas-powered car; however, these facts apply to nearly any rechargeable electric device.
So, How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Electric Car?
A solar panel typically generates between 1.5 and 2.5 kWh per day. Our residential solar installations include anywhere from 10 to 25 solar panels as we tailor them to the homeowner’s specific needs. By multiplying the average daily energy output (2 kWh) by the typical number of solar panels (17), the total comes to 34 kWh.
Going back to the example of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 RWD, charging its battery to 80% requires ~48 kWh.
Based on the calculations, the average electric vehicle owner would need about seven solar panels to cover their car’s energy needs. Incorporating a storage solution like the Tesla Powerwall further increases cost savings by enabling you to charge your vehicle at night with energy stored during the day.
Contact us today to learn more about powering your home and vehicle with clean solar energy.