Path-Q Solar
How should solar sizing account for an electric vehicle with unpredictable charging habits?
Answer
Estimate the EV's expected annual energy use and model several charging-timing scenarios instead of sizing from a single unpredictable schedule; separate total energy need from how much charging occurs at home.
Key points
- Use miles driven, vehicle efficiency, charging losses, and the share charged at home to estimate energy.
- Model home charging on daytime, evening, and mixed schedules.
- Managed charging can increase use of on-site solar but depends on vehicle, charger, household routine, and bill structure.
What it depends on
- Annual driving distance and vehicle efficiency
- Home versus workplace or public charging
- Charging time and controllability
- Solar production and import/export treatment
Risks and trade-offs
- Sizing for maximum possible charging can oversize the system if much charging occurs elsewhere.
- Ignoring future EV use can undersize it; unmanaged nighttime charging may reduce direct solar use.
Information you may need
- Vehicle efficiency and expected mileage
- Home-charging share
- Typical and possible charging schedules
- Charger power and control capabilities
Your next step
What to do next
Create low, expected, and high home-charging scenarios and compare system sizes and savings under each before selecting a target.
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