If you’re like many folks around the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, you’ve either made the switch to an electric vehicle or you’re thinking about it. Driving an EV has many benefits, one of the biggest being that you can charge it with solar power.
At Cascadia Solar, we’ve helped homeowners across the region install custom solar and EV charging systems that work together seamlessly for fast, affordable, and fossil-fuel-free EV charging.
Curious about how it works? Here’s what you need to know.
How Solar Powered EV Charging Works
When you install solar panels on your home, they generate electricity from sunlight. That electricity can be used immediately to power anything that runs on electricity, including an EV charger, while any unused energy flows into the electric grid.
During the Day
If your EV is plugged in during daylight hours, some of the solar electricity you generate will be used to charge it directly. But you aren’t always home to charge your EV during the day. Most of the time, you’re out using your car during the day and need to charge it overnight.
At Night
If you plug your EV in at night, it will charge from the electric grid since there’s no sunlight for your solar panels to turn into electricity. But you can still save money and benefit from solar power when you charge your EV at night, thanks to Washington’s net metering system.
With net metering, your utility keeps track of how much electricity your solar system sends to the grid and how much you take from it. At the end of every billing cycle, you’re only charged for the “net” difference. So even if your EV charges at night, your solar production during the day helps offset the cost.
Does Solar Work for EV Charging in Washington State?
It’s a fair question—can solar panels really make enough power to charge an EV in a cloudy place like Western Washington? The answer is yes.
Modern solar panels are also more efficient than ever and produce some energy even when it’s cloudy. The Silfab solar panels we install are made in Washington and specifically designed for our climate. They have a high shade tolerance and low-light performance.
Plus, with net metering, you earn utility credits for the power that your solar panels generate that roll over month to month, helping to balance out seasonal highs and lows.
Types of Solar-Powered EV Chargers
There are two ways to charge your EV at home with solar power:
1. Slow Plug-In Charging
Most EVs come with a charging cord that plugs into a standard 120V wall outlet. It’s simple, doesn’t require any special installation, and can run on solar power. But charging takes a long time—usually more than 24 hours for a full charge.
2. Hardwired EV Charging Station
A hardwired EV charging station is the fastest and most convenient way to charge your EV at home. A hardwired charging station can fully charge most EVs in just a few hours. Cascadia Solar installs hardwired charging stations that integrate with your new or existing solar energy system so everything works together seamlessly.
Do You Need Batteries to Charge Your EV with Solar?
You don’t need a solar battery to charge your EV with solar power. Your EV can charge directly from your solar panels during the day. At night, it will charge from the grid, and you can use your net metering credits to help cover the cost.
That said, adding a battery is a great option if you want backup power during outages or are looking for more energy independence. It’s also a good option to have for charging your EV during an emergency, but it will drain your battery quickly and isn’t something you need for everyday use.
At Cascadia Solar, we take the time to understand how you live and what you’re looking for. Because we handle solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, and electrical work in-house, we can design a complete system that works together smoothly. Everything is tailored to your home and goals, so you end up with a setup that works exactly the way you need it to.
Ready to Connect Your EV to the Sun?
Replacing your gas car with an EV is one of the most environmentally (and financially) responsible choices you can make. Charging your EV with solar takes the benefits to the next level.
Whether you’re just starting to explore solar or you’re looking to add EV charging to your existing solar power system, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to learn more. We’re here to talk through the options and help you find the right EV charging solution for your home.
