If there’s anything society needs right now, it’s the steady development and implementation of renewable energy sources. In other words, the goal is to get to the point where all energy production and usage are purely renewable and clean. That aside, there are early signs of positive steps in that direction.
One such sign is the combination of electric vehicles and solar panels. These two concepts are already ground-breaking on their own, but to have them combined only brings in more excitement and hope for a sustainable environment. The idea, which is already being implemented, is to use solar-powered charging stations to charge electric vehicles.
It’s an idea that makes a lot of sense for various reasons. It aims to reduce carbon footprints and curb the reliance on the power grid for all power requirements. However, the big question is, “How reliable is this concept, and how does it work?”
Understanding the Chemistry Between Solar Charging Stations and Electric Vehicles
It’s important to note that charging stations powered by solar panels are more convenient and reliable options for electric vehicles. The mechanism behind these stations is that they work just like the solar batteries back in your home. The panels absorb sunlight, and their cells convert sunlight to current, which is then stored in the charging stations, waiting for the next vehicle to be plugged in.
What you should also note is that solar charging stations offer a cost-effective means of topping up your vehicles. Thanks to the fact that solar panel systems are fairly affordable, switching to solar energy for your car battery needs is a huge win. So, best believe that you’re getting good numbers when you punch in your solar panel savings calculator.
What’s more? Solar energy can still be combined with the power grid for flexible charging options. To understand better, you must learn the different ways solar charging stations can be implemented.
Off-Grid Solar Charging Stations Vs. Grid-Tied Charging Stations
In essence, there are two ways to use solar charging stations. For off-grid usage, there’s no connection between the solar charging station and the power grid. That means that whatever power your panels generate is sent directly to the battery storage system. So whenever you need a quick charge, the storage bank will be responsible for delivering power to your electric vehicles.
Off-grid solar charging stations are appreciated for their flexibility, as they can be placed anywhere.
In the case of grid-tied solar charging stations, there’s a lot more chemistry between the charging stations and the grid. In this case, power generated by the solar panels is sent to the grid.
Essentially, your home charging station will generate power and feed it to the grid continuously. In return, you’ll receive a credit for the power supplied. And when the time does come to charge your vehicle, that same credit will be used to recharge your car.
In the end, both types of charging stations offer high efficiency and long-lasting power to your electric vehicles.
Conclusion
The concept of having your electric vehicles, which are already energy efficient, powered by solar energy is the cherry on top of an already sweetened cake. It’s something to look forward to and a development that’ll boost the appeal of renewable forms of energy.
