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Should You Install a Solar Battery to Charge Your EV?

Those with EVs looking into installing solar power systems often ask whether a solar battery is a worthwhile addition. Find out what's involved and what you need to consider.

If you own an EV and are considering solar panels, you may also be wondering if installing a solar battery at the same time is a good idea. This will mostly depend on when you can charge your EV. If you can charge your EV during the day, a solar battery isn’t needed as energy is generated in the solar panels during the day. However, most people are at work or out and about during the day and find it more convenient to charge their EVs overnight. That’s one of the reasons that including a solar battery is beneficial as part of a solar installation.

The main reason to add a solar battery to your installation is to store any excess energy generated by the solar panels during daylight hours. This energy can then be used to charge your EV overnight via an EV home charging point. It is the perfect addition to a solar set-up as it is a great way of saving money on the cost of charging your EV and lowering your electricity bills. But you must use a reputable solar panel installer, as other factors need to be considered.

1. Solar Panels

The size and efficiency of your solar panels will determine how much energy is generated and how much excess energy is available to be stored in the solar battery for your EV. It is, therefore, essential that you have the right solar panel system installed with enough solar panels for all your needs.

2. Battery Capacity

Similar to the number and the efficiency of your solar panels, the capacity of your solar battery is crucial. Larger batteries hold more energy but are more expensive. Your solar panel installer will be able to advise you on what size of battery you would need to meet your daily energy consumption needs and also to charge your EV.

3. Type of EV

If you have an EV with a big battery, it will need more energy to fully charge it. The number of solar panels and size of battery storage will need to be adequate to meet its demands.

4. Set-up Cost

The initial cost of solar panels, solar battery and EV charging point can be pricey. However, with energy prices continuing to rise, it won’t be long before you have made your money back through free solar charging.

Adding a solar battery and EV charging point to your solar panel set-up is a great way to save even more money and fully maximise the benefits of driving an electric car. Once installed, you can conveniently plug in and charge up overnight for free. Even if there’s not enough daylight to fully charge your EV overnight, there’s no need to worry. Charging can be supplemented with energy from the grid. In addition, as the number of people owning EVs continues to grow, the ability to charge your electric car for free using solar power will be a real selling point and add value to your home.

If you need more information about solar batteries or solar panel installation, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Capital City Electrical Services are MIC approved Solar Panel Installers and EV Charger Installers in Edinburgh and can help you plan the best solar panel set up for your needs.

Author: Capital City Electrical Services