GET IN TOUCH

(715) 223-0418

info@northwindre.com


578 Allen Street
Amherst, WI 54406

REQUEST A CALL BACK

Menu Call Back Form

Solar Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Power Your Car with The Sun

Hibu Websites • June 7, 2021

Solar power, once reserved for the rich and environmentally dedicated, has become more widespread. Smaller, more efficient, and affordable solar panels continue to fuel the uptake of renewable energy. In early 2019, the US surpassed the over 2 million mark for solar installations


The benefits of solar power continue to expand, especially with the recent rush for electric-car adoption. In 2019, global electric vehicle sales totaled slightly above 2 million units. This is double the volume sold 2 years before. The International Energy Agency estimates that the EVs will continue to grow to approximately 245 million cars by 2030.


While the demand for electric vehicle charging stations is sharply increasing, homeowners and business executives may need to find affordable ways to power their vehicles. Solar energy provides an excellent green alternative that replaces fossil-fuel-based grid electrical power.


How Much Power Does an EV Use?

Electric cars utilize electricity stored in battery packs to power the motor. As they run entirely on battery electricity, they are also referred to as all-electric vehicles. Your solar panel converts direct current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC), used in buildings and the EV. Installing a charging station at your home or workplace allows you to harness the sunlight into electricity that’s stored in battery packs.


The amount of power your electric vehicle uses depends on several factors, including; the make and model of your EV, how much you drive, and the battery pack. The EPA utilizes a different rating system from the traditional miles per gallon. That is the number of kilowatt-hours required to drive for 100 miles. You can find out the number for your vehicle from the fueleconomy.gov website.


With that information, you can find out how much electricity you need to power your vehicle.



How Many Solar Panels Will You Require to Power Your EV?

According to the US Department of Transportation, the average American drives 13,476 miles per year. Electricity is expensive. While you can hook up your EV charger to your grid network, your utility bills will skyrocket in no time. You can cut on these costs and carbon emissions by having a solar company install electric vehicle charging stations in your home or workplace.


Generally, you'll need approximately 8 to 12 panels to charge your electric vehicle. However, this number depends on how much you drive, the battery pack efficiency, and the sunshine in your area, among others. Consult your solar power company to determine the exact number.


How Much Will It Cost?

The installation costs for solar electric vehicle charging stations varies depending on the photovoltaic units used, quality, battery packs, and type of charger used. There are 3 general types of electric vehicle charging stations, including; Level 1 standard charger, level 2, and superchargers. Including installation costs, you may be facing an average of $13,000 to $40,000, depending on the PV system you choose.


The rise in demand for EVs has created an acute shortage of electric vehicle charging stations. Solar-powered installations provide a greener yet affordable alternative for homeowners and business executives. To discuss the installation needs for your off-grid EV charging system, reach out to Northwind Solar.


solar company
November 22, 2024
Discover how the solar market has revolutionized energy usage in recent years and what a reputable solar company can do for you.
solar power
October 7, 2024
Are you curious to learn more about solar farms and how their solar power is beneficial? Check out our blog to learn more information!
solar
September 18, 2024
Solar power is impactful in many different ways, both personally and on a large scale. Here is how solar power benefits the environment as a whole.
electric vehicle charging station
August 12, 2024
In this article, we discuss the three reasons why you should get a residential electric vehicle charging station. Read on to learn more.
solar energy
July 3, 2024
In this informative blog post, we'll explore several fundamental ways in which solar energy has evolved and improved in recent times.
residential solar
May 27, 2024
If you’re considering getting residential solar panels, here are a few things you can expect when switching to solar power.
commercial solar power companies
May 10, 2024
Commercial solar services can do a lot to optimize your operations. Here are some key services you may not know that commercial solar power companies offer.
solar system benefits
March 19, 2024
Changing your energy to solar power can be a big step in switching to green energy. Keep reading to find out more about solar system benefits.
February 21, 2024
Northwind Solar will Transition Forward Note: This communication from Northwind Solar CEO Josh Stolzenburg is a message to our stakeholders, clients, and friends about an exciting new development at Northwind. I’ve been consumed, for nearly two decades now, leading a passion project called Northwind Solar. Originally conceived to provide meaningful work for those who wanted to advance climate and energy solutions, we’ve grown into one of Wisconsin’s most effective and respected solar companies. Thirty committed employees (of whom 16 share ownership) now work out of our Amherst office. The time has come for me to step out of the role of CEO, shift my Northwind work to new priorities, and cultivate next generation leadership. As a company, we have matured over the years and come a long way from the conceptual white boards I scrawled on the walls of a friend’s basement in 2007, My crude “business plan” evolved from educational work (with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association) which fueled my desire to put meaningful green kilowatt hours on the Wisconsin grid to offset fossil fuel use. I engaged a couple of technically proficient business partners in 2008 and we began to offer wind, solar heating, and solar electric to suit the needs of a growing customer base. In the mid-teens we shifted our exclusive focus to solar electric (including battery systems and, now, smart electrification). From the beginning, community involvement was an important corollary to our professional work. My early involvement with the development of the Central Rivers Farmshed and work with the WI Farmer’s Union led to compelling work with and support for local small farms. Until recently, I’ve advised Mid-State Technical College’s renewable energy program since it’s inception in 2008 and we’ve been able to hire graduates of that program consistently since 2010. I’ve served on the Renew WI board of directors since 2019 and helped to create SolarShare WI, a thriving community solar investment cooperative. Part of the Northwind ethos has been distributed management and shared ownership. We formalized that in 2017 when we converted from a partnership to a worker owned cooperative. Employees could buy in, become owners, and share in the financial rewards and governance. In the seven years since there have been challenges, successes, and changes in personnel as we have learned to be a democratic company.
electric vehicle charging stations
January 16, 2024
As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, you may wonder how to integrate electric vehicle charging stations. Read on to learn how we can help.
More Posts
Share by: