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Discover the number of solar panels you need to charge your electric car and save on your electricity bill
Electric cars are increasingly popular, and with good reason: in addition to being environmentally friendly, they offer savings in the long term. But have you ever wondered how many solar panels it takes to charge an electric car for free? Let's unravel this question with a practical example, according to the video from the E4 Energias Renováveis channel.
Operation of electric cars and energy consumption
Unlike traditional vehicles, which use fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel, Electric cars are powered by electrical energy, stored in batteries. This energy can be obtained from the electrical grid or, more sustainably, from a photovoltaic system.
Practical example: Jack EJS1
Let's consider the Jack EJS1 model, an electric car available in Brazil. He has lithium iron phosphate batteries with a capacity of 30 kWh and consumes around 10 kWh for every 100 km driven.
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If you use your vehicle to travel 30 km per day, it consumes approximately 3 kWh per day. Thus, in one month (30 days), total consumption will be 90 kWh.
To calculate the number of solar panels needed, we need to consider the region's solar radiation and the efficiency of the photovoltaic system. We will use Brasília as an example, with an average solar irradiation of 5,47 kWh/m² per day and a system efficiency of 75%.
The formula to calculate the total power of the solar panel system is:
Replacing the values:
Converting to peak watts (Wp), we have 730 Wp. Choosing a solar panel with 560 Wp of power, we need:
As it is not possible to use fractions of solar panels, we rounded up. Therefore, two solar panels are needed to charge the Jack EJS1 for free, considering the values and conditions mentioned.
Other required components
In addition to the solar panels, you will need other components such as inverters and support structure. The initial investment in a photovoltaic system may seem high, but the long-term savings are mainly on the energy bill, it pays off. After investment payback, the energy generated is practically free.
This practical example demonstrates that it is viable to charge an electric car using energy from solar panels, reducing costs and contributing to a more sustainable future. Assessing your vehicle's consumption and the solar radiation conditions in your region are essential steps to correctly sizing the necessary photovoltaic system.
Benefits of using solar energy
- Long-term savings: After the return on the initial investment, the energy generated is free.
- Sustainability: Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and the emission of polluting gases.
- Energy self-sufficiency: Less dependence on the electrical grid, especially in regions with good solar irradiation.
Charging an electric car for free using solar energy is an affordable and sustainable reality. With the example of Jack EJS1, we saw that it is possible with just two solar panels. If you are thinking about investing in an electric vehicle and solar energy, this is the right time. Assess your needs, do the calculations and start saving while contributing to a greener world.
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