Driving on solar power: it's possible, we tell you all about it!
Corporate
Posted on 26.02.2025
The market for electric mobility is growing by leaps and bounds, driven by the boom in electric and hybrid vehicles, which accounted for 21.3% of registrations in France in January 2024.
At the same time, solar energy production, supported by increasingly efficient technologies, is expanding rapidly. The installation of photovoltaic panels makes it possible to produce electricity from a clean, renewable source: the sun. As of 31 March 2024, France's photovoltaic solar power capacity stood at 21.1 GW.
Combining these two sectors - electric mobility and photovoltaics - is a relevant solution for meeting the growing energy needs of electric vehicles while reducing their carbon footprint. What's more, this combination offers substantial savings in terms of energy, profitability and energy independence.
This article explores the possible synergies between the installation of photovoltaic panels and IRVE (Infrastructure de Recharge de Véhicules Électriques) charging stations, and sheds light on the advantages of this combination.
What does a solar system with a charging point look like?
A photovoltaic system with a charging point is made up of several key elements that capture the sun's energy and transform it into electricity to recharge the vehicle. The main components are as follows:
What makes up a solar installation with a charging point?
A photovoltaic system with a charging point is made up of several key components that capture the sun's energy and transform it into electricity to recharge the vehicle. The main components are as follows:
1. Photovoltaic panels : These are the heart of the system, capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity. These panels are generally installed on the roof of a house, but can also be used on a carport or a shade roof. Whichever structure you choose for your solar array, you'll need PV mountings, an electrical protection box suitable for producing the energy and accessories such as connectors, cables, etc. To find out more about photovoltaic infrastructures, see our photovoltaic catalogue.
2. The inverter : The inverter or micro-inverter, depending on the installation, is an electronic device that transforms the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC), used to power domestic equipment, including the recharging point.
3. The recharging point : This is the element that recharges the electric vehicle via the electricity grid. However, when coupled with a photovoltaic system, it can be powered directly by the electricity generated by the solar panels. This solar charging point is usually installed in a garage or car park.
4. Self-consumption meter (optional) : This web interface measures the energy produced by the photovoltaic panels and the energy consumed by the recharging point, enabling efficient management of self-consumption. The recharging mode can be programmed on a weekly basis depending on recharging needs.
5. The storage system (optional) : Although it is not systematic, some owners choose to add an energy storage system, such as a domestic battery. This enables the excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used to recharge the car at night.
This configuration enables optimised management of the energy produced and used, ensuring that the electric vehicle is supplied with electricity directly from the renewable source.
Self-consumption or energy resale: what's the right choice?
When a photovoltaic system is installed, the homeowner is faced with an important choice: either consume the energy produced for his or her own needs (self-consumption), or sell the surplus energy to an electricity supplier, while receiving remuneration.
- Self-consumption: This model reduces dependence on electricity supplied by the grid. By using solar energy to power the charging point, electricity bills can be reduced, particularly if the solar energy produced covers the home's consumption.
- Resale of energy: If you opt for resale, the surplus electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels and not used for the house or for recharging the car can be resold to an energy supplier. In France, there is a fixed or market-indexed feed-in tariff for surplus solar energy, enabling additional income to be generated.
In short, the choice between self-consumption and resale depends on each household's energy needs, the orientation of the house, the number of panels installed, and consumption habits. Both options can be advantageous, but self-consumption remains the most popular because of the direct savings made.
Recharging your car using the sun at home
One of the major advantages of installing photovoltaic panels in conjunction with a charging point is that you can recharge your electric vehicle directly at home, using solar energy. This solution offers a number of advantages:- Reduced recharging costs: recharging your car using solar energy is much cheaper than using the electricity grid. Depending on the size of the photovoltaic installation and the car's consumption, this solution can result in significant savings over the long term.
- Energy independence: By generating your own electricity to recharge your vehicle, you reduce your dependence on the energy distribution networks, which can be particularly advantageous in the event of price rises or power cuts.
- Less environmental impact: Charging a car with solar energy, a totally renewable and non-polluting energy source, helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with mobility. This is part of an eco-responsible approach that promotes the energy transition.
How many solar panels do you need to power your electric vehicle?
The number of solar panels needed to recharge an electric vehicle depends on a number of factors: The consumption of the electric vehicle :- The consumption of an electric vehicle is generally expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh) per 100 kilometres. On average, an EV consumes between 12 and 20 kWh per 100 km. The amount of energy needed to recharge the vehicle depends on the distance travelled each day.
- Energy production from photovoltaic panels: The amount of energy generated by solar panels varies according to the surface area available, the orientation of the panels, the amount of sunlight and the quality of the panels installed. On average, a photovoltaic panel produces between 2.5 and 3.3 kWh per year in ideal conditions. You will therefore need to calculate your monthly energy production to determine the number of panels you need.
As a general rule, to charge an electric vehicle autonomously using solar energy, you'll need between 8 and 12 solar panels, depending on the vehicle's consumption and the panels' production capacity. This estimate may vary depending on local sunlight conditions and individual needs.
Combining the installation of photovoltaic panels with charging stations is an ideal solution for those wishing to combine energy transition with sustainable mobility. Not only does it allow you to recharge your electric vehicle with a clean energy source, it also offers energy autonomy, financial savings and a reduced carbon footprint. As solar technology improves and electric mobility expands, this combination is an obvious choice for many households. Recharging your vehicle using the sun is now a reality that is accessible and beneficial in every way.