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How many solar panels are needed to charge an electric car?
I’m about to buy an EV, and I want to make sure I have a reliable charging station set up at home! I know I’ll be doing most of my juicing up in my garage, and it would be very bad if it stopped working. I’ve heard that solar panels are usually the way to go. So, how many panels can I expect to need to make sure my station runs properly?
Tom Hindle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Good call on going with solar power! You’ll certainly help the environment, as well as your electricity bill. The good news is that solar power is actually a lot more efficient than a lot of people think—and can comfortably generate enough electricity to charge your vehicle.
However, it’s not just a case of “add a solar panel and go.” EVs charge at different rates, so the exact strength of electrical current you’ll need differs based on what you drive. Most good electricians will be able to calculate the exact figure for you, but you’ll likely need a good amount.
For example, a typical 250-watt solar panel typically generates about 1 kWh per day of electricity—which is nowhere near enough to fully charge your car. In fact, that likely won’t get you more than a few miles.
So, it really depends on how far you plan on driving your car. If you’re taking short trips, then anywhere between 12-15 solar panels will be just fine. But if you need to fully juice your car every day, you might need more—as many as 25. Ultimately, it’s best to check with your solar power provider for the best deal, and the right amount of power.
Speaking of getting the right amount of something—you’ll also need the right amount of
car insurance
to keep your new EV safe. For the best rate on that, try using the Jerry
app. A licensed broker, Jerry sources quotes from over 50 top insurance companies such as GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm. And it works, too! The average Jerry user saves $879 per year. It will even find you a new deal whenever your policy is up for renewal!
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- Gregory R.
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