The Benefits of Powering Your EV with Solar Energy

Purchasing an electric vehicle is a positive step towards environmental sustainability. 

However, if you charge it using standard grid electricity, you're still paying for power that derives in large part from the same fossil fuel sources that power our conventional power plants. 

Meanwhile, suppose you have a solar power system installed on your home. 

In that case, you can charge your electric vehicle using power that derives 100% from the clean, renewable solar energy source that is your home. 

If you're thinking about getting solar power and an electric vehicle, you're on the right track. 

Not sure yet? Keep reading to see why this combo makes so much sense!

Why Pair Solar Energy with Your EV?

First, you’ll reduce your energy expenses. Rather than paying skyrocketing electric rates each month, your solar panels produce free power from the sun. 

That translates to less expensive charging and additional cash in your wallet. Solar EV solutions also provide you with energy independence.

You’re no longer at the mercy of power companies or ever-inflating power prices. Your rooftop becomes your private fueling station. And you’re going totally green. 

You're reducing your carbon footprint twice—once by driving electric, and again by using renewable energy.

Your car charges during the day while you're at work, using the sun's energy. It's hassle-free and automatic.

Overall, solar and EVs are a perfect match that saves money while helping the planet.

Cost Savings: Solar vs Grid Electricity and Public Chargers

Let's talk about money—because that's what really matters. When you're looking at EV charging in San Antonio, the costs can add up fast. 

Charging at public stations runs you anywhere from $0.30 to $0.60 per kWh. Even home charging from the grid costs around $0.12 per kWh during peak hours.

Now here's where solar energy for EVs changes everything.

Once your solar panels are installed, sunshine becomes free fuel. After the initial investment, your charging cost is nearly zero. 

An average EV driver spends $1,000–$1,500 yearly on charging. With solar EV solutions, you can cut that to almost nothing—while avoiding price hikes.

San Antonio gets plenty of sunshine year-round, making it perfect for solar. 

No more hunting for public chargers or worrying about peak-hour electricity rates. Just pure, clean, free energy straight from the sun.

Setting Up Your Home Charging Station with Solar

Setting up your very own solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at home is something that is not beyond the reach of the average person. 

If you want to take on the project in a manner that is even more assured of being successful, however, you could make use of a set of plans for the setup, or even have a solar EV charging station kit that you would assemble as part of the installation. 

To start, here's what you'll require: 

• Roof-mounted solar panels – They capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity, some of which will power your home and, in particular, the EV charging station that you also need for this project. 

• An EV charging station at home – This is a critical component of the project, because without it, there is no place to charge the electric vehicle. 

• Optional – A battery storage system to capture solar power for use during the night or when the solar panels aren't producing enough power.

In San Antonio, where we enjoy all that beautiful sunshine year-round, your solar-powered EV charging system will operate incredibly well. 

Your installer handles permits, wiring, and the integration of the charger. 

In a few days, you’ll have a solar-powered charging station right at home—fueling your EV for free.

Incentives and Rebates for EV + Solar in Texas

Texas makes it easier than ever to go solar and electric with money-saving incentives that can seriously cut your upfront costs. 

Between federal tax credits, state rebates, and local utility programs, you'll find plenty of ways to make this investment work for your budget.

Federal Benefits You Can Count On: 

• Get 30% of your solar system cost back through the federal solar tax credit.

• Claim up to $1,000 in federal tax credits when you install a home EV charger.

• Grab up to $2,500 in state rebates just for buying an electric car.

Your local utility companies are also jumping on board with their own incentives. AEP Texas customers can pocket up to $2,500 per solar system, while CPS Energy offers a flat $2,500 rebate plus an extra $500 if you choose locally-made panels.

Special Perks for San Antonio Residents: 

• CPS Energy's FlexEV program gives you $125 in bill credits for charging during off-peak hours.

• Perfect for EV charging San Antonio families who want to maximize their savings.

These solar EV solutions make the switch much more affordable. With solar energy for EVs becoming cheaper every year, there's never been a better time to make the move.

Wrapping Up…

When you charge your EV with solar power, you get cheaper bills, cleaner energy, and no more worrying about rising electricity costs. 

Want to start enjoying these perks? 

Stephens Solar Solutions helps San Antonio homeowners make the switch to solar without the hassle. Reach out today and let the sun power your car.