Are you an owner of an electric vehicle (EV)? If so, you might want to earmark a primary slot on your eco-friendly agenda for solar panels for your home.
In one of my many deep dives into the world of solar, I recently came across a fascinating behavioral study analysis from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), funded by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office. The study, conducted on 869 households in the San Francisco Bay Area, revealed that EV owners are more likely to have a solar array for home, compared to non-EV owners, by about three times!
Specifically, around a quarter of EV owners reported owning a solar photovoltaic system, while only 8% of non-EV owners had hopped on to the solar bandwagon. The reasoning behind this advantageous solar predilection among EV owners might be as clear as daylight (pun absolutely intended!). Potentially, EV owners are drawn to the prospect of offsetting the energy costs of charging their electric vehicles with power sourced directly from their home solar panels.
For those invested in the global energy systems resiliency, these findings paint a heartening scenario. As noted by the study’s lead author, Shivam Sharda, the complementary nature of EVs and PVs (photovoltaics) could play a pivotal role in ensuring grid stability and formulating power management strategies.
Another thrilling takeaway from the study is that owning solar panels could influence a homeowner’s decision to buy an EV. However, the correlation isn’t as strong in this direction. Yet, as someone who thrives in the solar universe, I can’t help but appreciate this evidence of reciprocal influence.
Policy makers, quite rightly, incentivize the adoption of both EVs and rooftop solar. The study rightly suggests that strategies be implemented to accelerate the joint deployment of these two technologies. As Sharda powerfully explains, how speedily a household adopts these cross-sectoral sustainable technologies will be key to achieving our common decarbonization goals.
Another critical component in the adoption puzzle is greater awareness of these technologies. The study found that being social and asking about these technologies can significantly influence decisions to adopt solar or EVs—because knowledge truly is power, my solar comrades!
Make no mistake; the sol-sational possibilities for homeowners and the future of alternative energy sources are boundless. Consider this: a 2021 consumer report found that charging an EV with home solar could save the owner a whopping $16,250 over a 25-year period.
In conclusion, as more EVs take to the roads and electricity demand subsequently rises, there’s no better partner for EVs than a robust home-based solar array! Whether you’re already riding the solar wave or are considering joining the ranks of many solar companies and homeowners in the pursuit of clean energy, the future’s looking exceptionally sunny indeed. 雷
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/12/ev-owners-more-likely-to-install-rooftop-solar-on-homes/
