How Many Solar Panels Does It Take To Charge An Electric Car?
Electric cars are becoming more and more popular, as people become more environmentally conscious. But can they be charged with solar power? And how many solar panels does it take to charge an electric car?
On average, it would take approximately 9 solar panels to completely charge an electric car. This number can vary depending on the size and wattage of the solar panel, weather conditions, as well as the size of the electric car’s battery.
In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more. The answer may surprise you. It turns out that you don’t need nearly as many solar panels as you might think to charge an electric car.
How Many Solar Panels Does It Take To Charge An Electric Car?
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, as people become more environmentally conscious. But can they be charged with solar power? And how many solar panels does it take to charge an electric car?
The number of solar panels needed to charge an electric vehicle can vary depending on a few factors. The size and wattage of the solar panel, weather conditions, as well as the size of the electric car’s battery. All of these aspects play a role in how many panels are needed.
On average, it would take approximately nine solar panels to completely charge an electric vehicle. This number can vary depending on the specific car and solar panel being used. For example, a smaller car with a smaller battery would need fewer panels than a larger car with a bigger battery.
If you’re interested in using solar power to charge your electric car, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The average solar panel produces around 200 watts of power.
- A typical electric car has a battery that ranges from 24 to 85 kilowatt-hours.
- Solar panels can produce more or less power depending on the weather conditions.
With all of this in mind, it’s important to do your research on how much solar panels cost before making the switch to solar power. Talk to experts in the field and see what option would work best for you and your car.
Climate Plays a Big Factor in Solar Charging
The amount of sunlight that hits the earth’s surface varies depending on location and time of year. In general, solar panels will produce the most electricity when they are placed in an area with direct sunlight and little to no shade.
Solar panels also tend to be less efficient in cold weather. This is because the sun’s rays are weaker and the panels themselves are often covered in snow or ice.
All of these factors must be taken into account when determining how many solar panels are needed to charge an electric car.
The number of solar panels required to produce the same amount of yearly solar power is determined by the panel’s rated output and the location. For North America, assuming 300 watt rated output solar panels, here are some guidelines:
Desert Climate
4,500 kWh / 1.8 kWh per rated watt of system size = 2,500 watts system size
2,500 watts / 300 watts per panel = 8.3 panels
Moderate Sunbelt Climate
4,500 kWh / 1.5 kWh per rated watt of system size = 3,000 watts system size
3,000 watts / 300 watts per panel = 10 panels
Northern Climate
4,500 kWh / 1.2 kWh per rated watt of system size = 3,750 watts system size
3,750 watts / 300 watts per panel = 12.5 panels
The amount of efficient solar panels required to generate the same number of net usable solar electricity on a yearly basis is shown above. Actual solar power production will fluctuate based on the season and weather conditions.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
Solar panels are becoming a more and more popular way to power our homes and businesses. But what about electric cars? Can they be powered by stored solar energy as well? The answer is yes, they can!
However, it depends on how much power your car consumes and the intensity of sunlight available to you.
If you’re interested in powering your electric car with solar energy, be sure to consult with a professional to get the most accurate estimate for your specific situation.
If you prefer to get an electric bike, can you charge an ebike with solar? Yes, you can! read more about it in our guide.