Path-Q Solar

How should an electric vehicle's charging schedule be included in a solar quote?

Answer

The quote should include the EV's expected annual driving energy, charging location, charging losses, charging times, and whether charging can follow solar production. It should show how those assumptions affect system size, self-consumption, and any electrical upgrades.

Key points

  • Estimate energy from mileage, vehicle efficiency, and charging losses rather than charger power alone.
  • Separate home charging from workplace, public, or other charging.
  • Model unmanaged, scheduled, and solar-following charging if those options are realistic.

What it depends on

  • Annual mileage and vehicle efficiency
  • Share of charging done at home
  • Charging schedule and flexibility
  • Charger power and electrical service capacity
  • Import and export tariff structure

Risks and trade-offs

  • Sizing for maximum charger power can overstate annual energy needs.
  • A flexible charging schedule may improve solar use but may not suit travel needs.
  • An EV or charger can require panel, wiring, service, or load-management changes.

Information you may need

  • Vehicle model or expected efficiency
  • Annual mileage and home-charging share
  • Typical arrival and departure times
  • Existing electrical service and charger plans
  • Tariff and export-credit details

Your next step

What to do next

Ask for a quote with separate current household load, EV load, and charging-schedule scenarios, including any required electrical upgrades.

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