Path-Q Solar

Can workplace EV charging change the financial value of a home solar system?

Answer

Yes. Workplace charging can reduce the electricity that must be purchased at home, which may lower the savings attributable to additional home solar sized for the EV. The effect depends on how much charging is done at work, the cost of workplace charging, and the value of electricity displaced at home.

Key points

  • Model home charging and workplace charging as separate sources of vehicle energy.
  • Free or low-cost workplace charging generally reduces the financial case for adding solar capacity specifically for the vehicle.
  • If workplace charging is unavailable, expensive, or limited, more home charging may make additional solar more valuable.
  • The timing of home charging matters because daytime charging can use solar directly while nighttime charging may have a different value.

What it depends on

  • Share of annual charging done at home versus work
  • Workplace charging price, access, and reliability
  • Home electricity rates, export compensation, and time-of-use structure
  • Vehicle mileage and charging schedule

Risks and trade-offs

  • Workplace access may change with employment, schedule, or employer policy.
  • Sizing solar around temporary workplace charging arrangements can create a mismatch.
  • A larger system may produce less value if surplus generation is exported at a lower value than avoided home purchases.

Information you may need

  • Annual vehicle mileage and energy consumption
  • Expected home and workplace charging shares
  • Workplace charging cost and availability
  • Home bill rate structure and solar export terms

Your next step

What to do next

Compare at least two scenarios—mostly workplace charging and mostly home charging—using the applicable home and workplace energy costs before deciding whether EV load should increase the solar size.

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