Chances are, you’ve hopped on the electric vehicle (EV) train because you’ve discovered this clean and efficient mode of transportation. Among the best is the Mustang Mach-E, which boasts zero carbon emissions and one of the highest battery performances.
Whether you have your EV in the driveway, or you’re still browsing, you want to know the best way to charge that bad boy. Well, the best answer is solar power. Many electric vehicle owners are choosing to buy solar panels instead. When used to charge EVs, solar panels produce completely clean energy that rivals the fossil fuel-powered grid of a utility company. But is this the best approach? The world is definitely brighter when you choose a sun-powered lifestyle, but it’s time to see if solar can put its savings where your budget is.
Let’s tackle some of your burning questions about solar EV chargers, electric vehicles, and all the great things about solar energy.
Do Electric Cars Increase Your Electric Bill?
If you’re looking into EVs, you must have caught yourself wondering, “Do electric cars increase your electric bill?” The short answer — absolutely, but they don’t have to. Owning an EV is a pricey undertaking, especially if you decide to hook your EV charger up to your home’s electricity. Your utility bill will skyrocket with charging costs.
If you decide to charge using a public option, you’re paying every single time you plugin. Now, you’ve heard how over time, EV is the cheaper and cleaner option, but where can you reap the best benefits for your shiny new Mustang Mach-E? It might be looking into some of the incentives offered by your state. There is even a Federal Plug-In Electric Vehicle Tax Credit that can offset some of the expenses incurred for qualified EV purchases. While choosing an electric vehicle is an amazing option that will reduce your transportation costs, the real heavy-hitter to pour savings into your budget has everything to do with the charging.
The Best Way to Charge Your Mustang Mach-E
When it comes to electric vehicles, you want the best of the best, and you don’t want it to break your pocket. There has to be a marriage between efficiency and cost-effectiveness. You want a beautiful, luxurious electric vehicle that won’t render you penniless. Why not expect the same from the way your EV gets its fuel?
When you go for an EV, the possibilities open right up for fuel. Public EV chargers are popping up all over the place due to technological advancements and the popularity of electric vehicles. Public EV chargers can be costly for EV owners and charger operators, as these stations need constant updating. Also, for EV owners on the go, a public EV charger that sees a lot of traffic may have you waiting a long time just to charge your vehicle. For EV owners who want to save money, save time, and take their energy consumption into their own hands, a special equation will drive great results.
Solar Panels + Solar EV Charger = A Home Solar EV Charging Station
One of the most tedious aspects of owning an electric car is finding a charging station. With a home solar EV charging station, you never have to worry about not being able to locate affordable fuel for your EV. It’s true, a home solar EV charging station can drastically reduce your overall energy costs. It will also offer faster charge, increase your home property value, and raise your energy efficiency.
Ultimately, the best and most cost effective option for EV owners is to bring the charging to your home. Solar EV chargers are a great option for the EV owners concerned with their environmental footprint and their budget. But these chargers are nothing without a powerful home solar system to power them. Yes, a new solar system will bring you protection from blackouts and optimal energy storage, but going solar can leave you with questions. Luckily, we’ve compiled a ton of resources to help you go solar, but you may still want to know, “How many solar panels do I need to charge an EV?”
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Charge an EV?
Probably not as many as you would think. It’s projected that the cost of at-home solar energy is less than $.11/kWh. This is often additional to the many federal, state-wide, and utility-specific financial incentives that steadily decrease the cost associated with the transition. Let’s take a look at a few solar savings:
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Also known as the solar investment tax credit (ITC), this incentive will save qualified homeowners 30% off the cost of a solar system on their taxes. This hugely offsets installation costs for not only your solar photovoltaic, or solar PV system, but the entire solar system – inverters, battery, and all.*
Net Metering
This is a program that may be offered by your utility company. It will supply you with credits to your electric bill. And when you use a solar battery, like the Enphase Encharge, you can also store your excess solar energy to use for future use.
When answering, “How many solar panels do I need to charge an EV?”, you have to consider the amount of energy your home consumes. Then, take into account how much electricity you anticipate your EV needing to charge. While each variable may be different for each home, a great thing about solar is that there are savings and sunlight everywhere, if you know where to look.
It’s time to really capitalize off of your investment. Whether it’s a Mustang Mach-E or any other electric vehicle, make your purchase worthwhile and go solar.
Contact us today to find out all the great ways we can help!
*Tax and credits or incentives including those provided by federal, state, or local governments may change or end. This can impact the amount of money you might save. Consult a tax professional to understand any tax liability or eligibility for any tax credits that may result from the purchase of your solar system.
**If you have taxable income and own the system, you may qualify for the federal investment tax credit (ITC). It is your responsibility to determine your eligibility and to apply. Consult a qualified tax professional for assistance and details.
