Path-Q Solar

Does electric vehicle charging at work reduce the amount of home solar I should install?

Answer

It can reduce the solar capacity needed to offset your home's future electricity use if charging at work replaces charging at home. The relevant amount is the electricity your home will actually supply to the vehicle, not the vehicle's total annual energy use.

Key points

  • Separate total EV charging demand from the share supplied by the home.
  • Charging at home during sunny hours can increase direct solar use even if total home charging is lower.
  • Workplace charging patterns may change, so avoid assuming today's arrangement will remain permanent.

What it depends on

  • Annual EV mileage and efficiency
  • Share of charging done at home
  • Timing of home charging
  • Expected vehicle ownership and workplace access
  • Whether the system is sized for current use or future electrification

Risks and trade-offs

  • Sizing too small based on temporary workplace charging may leave insufficient capacity if access changes.
  • Sizing for all vehicle energy when much of it is supplied elsewhere may increase exports or project cost.
  • Workplace charging may have separate costs or availability constraints that affect the practical choice.

Information you may need

  • Expected annual mileage
  • Vehicle efficiency or charging-energy records
  • Current and expected share of home charging
  • Typical time of home charging
  • Plans for future vehicles or changes in commuting

Your next step

What to do next

Estimate annual home-delivered EV kWh under current and plausible future charging patterns, and compare solar designs against both scenarios.

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