Orizon Energy
Solar + EV Charging: How to Maximize Home Charging Savings
Many homeowners in Canada are buying electric Vehicles (EVs), and that raises a smart question: How do you get the most value by pairing your EV with home solar panels? The short answer: when designed and managed well, a solar + EV setup reduces your grid electricity use, lowers operating costs, and lets you charge your car more sustainably. This blog explores practical steps to maximize savings while keeping things simple.
- How Solar + EV Charging Saves You Money
Solar panels generate electricity at low marginal cost once installed. Charging you EV during sunny hours means the car is powered by the sun instead of grid electricity. Over time, that reduces your monthly energy bill and the carbon footprint of every kilometer you drive.
- Assess Your Daytime Charging Needs
Most people charge overnight. But to prioritize solar charging, consider:
- Charging during the day while the system is producing (mid-morning to mid-afternoon).
- Using a timer or smart charger to only charge when production is high.
- Partial daytime charging combined with overnight off-peak charging if your utility offer off-peak rates.
- Size Your Solar System Correctly (Basic Guidance)
You don’t need an enormous system to support occasional daytime charging. A few useful rules of thumb:
- Find your daily driving kWh needs (e.g. 100km = roughly 15 kWh).
- Determine your solar production during the hours you’ll charge.
- If daytime charging is a priority, consider adding panels or a battery to shift energy into the evening.
- Smart Chargers and Energy Management
Smart EV chargers let you schedule charging windows, limit charging power, or follow the sun. Features to look for:
- Scheduling by hour (charge 10:00 - 14:00)
- Load management so your house and car don’t overload the inverter
- Integration with solar inverters or home energy management systems
- Batteries: The Convenience Booster
A home battery stores midday solar for night charging, batteries help if:
- You work normal hours and prefer to charge at night.
- Your regional electricity pricing rewards off-peak usage differently.
- You want backup power during outages.
- Practical Tips for Canada’s Climate
Cold-weather EV performance drops as temperatures get colder; but solar still generates power in cold, sunny weather.
- Keep EV and battery plugged in when parked (many EVs precondition battery before driving).
- Charge during sunny winter midday peaks when production is best.
- Consider a Backup Battery to charge your EV when the sun starts to drop.
- Monitor and Optimize
Use monitoring tools to see how much solar goes to your EV. If you see wasted export during the day, shift to charging more daytime hours. If you regularly export large amounts, consider increasing system size or adding a battery backup.
- Quick Checklist to Get Started
- Install a smart EV charger.
- Schedule charging during sunny hours if possible.
- Review your solar production and adjust charging windows.
- Consider adding a battery if you need evening/night time charging.
- Use monitoring to optimize and reduce wasted energy generated by your panels.
Pairing home EV charging with solar is a practical way to reduce cost associated with driving an electric vehicle. Start simple: install a smart charger, aim for daytime charging when possible, and use monitoring to refine your plan. For homeowners with EVs this makes ownership cleaner and often cheaper in the long run.
