Path-Q Solar

How should an EV charger's electricity use be included in a solar quote?

Answer

Include expected EV electricity use as a separate, documented future load based on driving, vehicle efficiency, charging losses, and charging behavior. The quote should show how that load changes system size, production matching, and any electrical work.

Key points

  • Use expected annual mileage or charging energy rather than simply adding the charger's maximum power rating.
  • Model when charging occurs because timing affects how much solar generation directly serves the vehicle.
  • Include charger circuit, panel capacity, service limits, and any planned second vehicle or charger.

What it depends on

  • Vehicle efficiency and annual mileage
  • Charging location, frequency, and schedule
  • Charger power and electrical service capacity
  • Solar design, storage, and applicable billing structure

Risks and trade-offs

  • Overestimating driving or charging can oversize the system.
  • Ignoring the EV can understate future electricity use.
  • A larger solar system does not guarantee that charging will occur during solar production.

Information you may need

  • Vehicle and expected annual mileage
  • Charging schedule and location
  • Charger specifications
  • Existing usage and electrical service information

Your next step

What to do next

Ask installers to provide current-load and EV-load scenarios, including the assumptions, resulting system size, electrical upgrades, and production or savings effects.

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