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Choosing an electric vehicle (EV) charger that works well with solar energy can help you save money on energy bills. At EmPower Solar, we develop, engineer, install, and service solar systems and solar-compatible charging stations. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing a solar EV charger.
Level of Charging
The type of solar EV charger you choose depends on the level of charging that suits your needs and goals. At EmPower Solar, we can install Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and V3 charger types to help you power your electric vehicle.
Level 1 chargers are used for overnight charging, making them suitable for low daily driving needs like a short commute to work. Level 2 chargers offer a better charging rate than Level 1 due to a higher voltage and amperage, making them a good option for home charging. Level 3 is also known as DC fast charging and is reliable for quick recharging. Tesla Supercharger V3 is a type of Level 3 charging station designed for Tesla electric vehicles. V3 takes about 20 minutes to charge, while Level 3 needs 20 to 45 minutes to charge. Level 1 takes 8 to 16 hours to charge, while Level 2 takes 6 to 8 hours to power up.
Smart Charging
Chargers with smart features are helpful for home charging due to reliable charging speeds. Smart chargers can adjust the charging speed based on real-time factors such as grid demand, energy availability, or household usage. With the scheduled charging feature, you can schedule your EV to charge when the sun is shining, maximizing the use of solar-generated electricity.
Chargers with smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile apps enable you to monitor the charging process remotely. The charger can provide details about the current charging power, energy consumed charging duration, and the state of charge of your EV’s battery. This information can be valuable for budgeting and understanding the environmental impact of your electric vehicle.
Compatibility With Solar Inverters
When you charge your electric vehicle, it requires AC power. An inverter converts the DC power from your solar panels or battery into the AC power needed to charge your EV. Our EV chargers come with built-in inverters to work seamlessly with the solar system.
Home batteries can save excess solar power for nighttime or cloudy days when solar generation is limited. The home batteries you need depend on your usage and home needs. Our experienced installers can help you determine the number of batteries and solar panels you need to charge your EV. If you charge your EV daily, you might need more solar panels and batteries compared to someone who charges less frequently.
Invest in a Quality Solar EV Charger
By using solar energy for EV charging, you can reduce your reliance on grid electricity. You may also be able to lower your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. At EmPower Solar, we can help find the best solar EV charger that allow you to track solar energy production and EV charging usage. Contact us today for a free solar estimate and to determine if your residence is suitable for solar.
Get an estimate for solar and claim your energy independence.
Get an estimate for solar and claim your energy independence.
About the Author
EmPower Solar develops, engineers, installs, and services solar and battery systems for residential and commercial clients. Since 2003, EmPower Solar has empowered thousands of New York homeowners and businesses with 47 megawatts of distributed solar. Its vision is to create a new energy paradigm powered by clean, renewable energy for a more prosperous, healthy, and civil world. The company culture is defined by the EmPowering Way, which results in consistent 5-star customer service reviews. For more information visit empower-solar.com.