In a bid to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, an increasing number of homeowners in the United States are turning to solar energy to power their electric vehicles (EVs). The combination of rooftop solar panels and EVs not only allows individuals to maximize their energy savings but also reduces their carbon footprint.

Jim Selgo, a retired public school principal residing in Goodyear, Arizona, exemplifies the growing trend. After having a positive experience with solar at his previous home, Selgo wasted no time in having rooftop solar installed in 2019. Less than a year later, motivated by the desire to take more action against climate change, he purchased his first EV, a Nissan Leaf. Since then, Selgo has enjoyed the benefit of not having to pay for electricity or gasoline.

The synergy between solar energy and EVs is becoming increasingly prevalent. Becca Jones-Albertus, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy at the U.S. Energy Department, notes that the combination of solar and EVs is more common today due to the longer presence of solar energy systems. Many EV owners are also installing solar systems to support their increased electricity use and facilitate more economical at-home charging.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office, approximately 4.5 million out of 131 million U.S. households have installed rooftop solar panels as the benefits become more widely known. Additionally, 2023 saw a record-breaking milestone with over one million EVs sold in the U.S.

While EVs require charging from the electrical grid, which often relies on fossil fuels, solar energy can mitigate this environmental concern. The Environmental Protection Agency highlights that both electricity production and transportation are the two largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

Residential solar electric systems convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic panels. When paired with batteries, homeowners can store excess energy for later use. Battery installations accompany nearly a fifth of new household solar systems in California, which leads the rooftop solar market.

Recognizing the growing interest in solar energy, several automakers have ventured into the industry. General Motors' energy unit, GM Energy, aims to provide customers with a comprehensive solution for at-home charging, solar installations, and other energy management technologies. Hyundai Home and Ford have also begun offering services to help customers select suitable home charging and solar options.

However, the combination of solar energy and EVs may not be feasible for all owners due to unequal access to rooftop solar installations. The DOE solar office reveals that approximately half of U.S. households either lack control over their roofs or face limitations based on location, space, or orientation. Efforts to address this issue include community solar projects that allow individuals or communities without suitable roofs to participate in shared solar arrays.

Challenges such as installation costs can also hinder widespread adoption. Although the cost of residential rooftop solar installations have decreased significantly over the years, a standard system can still range from $10,000 to $15,000 or more, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy. To alleviate this financial burden, federal incentives, such as the 30% tax credit offered under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, make residential solar systems more affordable.

With the increasing convergence between solar energy and EVs, more individuals like Jerry Schotz from Champaign, Illinois, are embracing renewable energy solutions. Schotz purchased two EVs in 2021 and opted for a solar installation at his home to power not just his household but also his vehicles, eliminating the use of fossil fuels for transportation.

As individuals prioritize sustainable living and seek ways to reduce their environmental impact, the combination of solar energy and EVs provides a compelling solution. With federal incentives and declining installation costs, the adoption of solar-powered EVs is likely to continue its upward trajectory, leading to a greener and more sustainable future.