Path-Q Solar
Does charging an EV at night reduce the savings from rooftop solar?
Answer
It can reduce the amount of EV charging supplied directly by rooftop solar, but not necessarily the total value of solar. The effect depends on export compensation, the ability to charge at other times, battery use, and the difference between the cost of imported and exported electricity.
Key points
- Night charging usually requires grid electricity unless stored energy is available.
- Daytime or scheduled charging can use more solar directly when the vehicle is at home.
- Solar production exported during the day may still receive value under the applicable billing arrangement.
- Charging behavior should be modeled together with the home's other daytime and evening loads.
What it depends on
- EV location and charging schedule
- Export-credit and electricity-rate structure
- Battery availability and operating strategy
- Household daytime consumption
Risks and trade-offs
- Changing charging times may conflict with driving needs or lower-cost rates.
- A battery adds losses and cost even if it increases solar use at night.
- Assuming exported solar has the same value as avoided imports can overstate savings.
Information you may need
- Typical vehicle arrival and departure times
- Annual charging energy
- Current billing and export terms
- Whether smart charging or storage is available
Your next step
What to do next
Compare annual costs and solar use under current nighttime charging, scheduled daytime charging, and any applicable battery scenario.
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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.
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