Electric Vehicle Owners and Solar Rooftops: A Growing Symbiosis

Jim Selgo’s relocation to Goodyear, Arizona in 2019 marked the beginning of his journey with solar energy. His positive previous experience led him to install rooftop solar panels at his new residence. Within a year, inspired to further combat climate change, Selgo acquired a Nissan Leaf, his first electric vehicle (EV). Since then, he has eliminated his expenses on both electricity and gasoline.

Selgo, a former public school principal who now drives an electric Volkswagen ID.4 SUV, exemplifies a growing trend of utilizing solar energy to power EVs. This approach leverages clean, renewable energy, effectively harnessing sunshine for power. The appeal is mutual, as solar energy users often consider EVs, given the longer history of solar technology.

Becca Jones-Albertus from the U.S. Energy Department highlights this pattern, noting the reciprocal interest between solar system owners and EV users. The DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office reports that out of 131 million U.S. households, around 4.5 million have adopted rooftop solar, with over 1 million EVs sold in the U.S. in 2023 alone.

While EVs require electricity, traditionally sourced from fossil fuels, solar energy offers a solution to this environmental paradox. Electricity production and transportation are the primary sources of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Residential solar electric systems, particularly when paired with batteries, provide a sustainable energy reservoir.

Car manufacturers have recognized this intersecting interest. Post-Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity in 2016, several legacy automakers have ventured into connecting customers with solar solutions. GM Energy, for instance, aims to provide comprehensive energy management solutions, including solar installations.

However, not all EV owners have access to rooftop solar due to various constraints. To address this, community solar projects have emerged, allowing broader participation in solar energy usage. Still, challenges like installation costs and utility company policies persist.

Despite these hurdles, the cost of solar installations has decreased significantly, from $8.70 per watt in 2010 to $3.16 per watt by 2022. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act offers financial incentives to encourage solar and EV adoption. For example, Selgo’s system, initially costing $19,500, ultimately cost him about $12,500 after tax rebates and state incentives.

Jerry Schotz’s experience echoes this trend. In 2021, he bought two EVs and installed solar panels at his home in Champaign, Illinois. His decision was driven by a desire for a fully renewable energy-powered lifestyle, including an electric lawnmower. “Solar just makes sense,” he says, highlighting the comprehensive use of solar energy for both home and vehicle needs.

This article was written by Alexa St. John, a climate solutions reporter for Big Big News. You can follow her updates on X, previously known as Twitter, at @alexa_stjohn, or contact her at [email protected].

Big Big News’ climate and environmental coverage is supported by various private foundations. More information on AP’s climate initiative is available online. The AP maintains full editorial independence in its content creation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Solar-Powered EVs

More about Solar-Powered EVs

• U.S. Department of Energy Solar Technologies
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory
• Solar Energy Industries Association
• Center for Sustainable Energy
• Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Inflation Reduction Act Details