SolarCity to Sell Solar EV Charging Stations

By Admin
SolarCity has made headlines for its unique business model, offering affordable distributed solar energy installation and support services for homes an...

SolarCity has made headlines for its unique business model, offering affordable distributed solar energy installation and support services for homes and business.  Now, the company is tapping a young new market: electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.  The company will offer both home and commercial solar-powered EV chargers, promising lower costs than buying from the grid.  The chargers will be compatible with any electric vehicle currently on the market.

SolarCity has partnered with EV charger manufacturer ClipperCreek, who provides the standardized SAE-J1772 charge cable.

SolarCity will offer installation of a 240-volt Level II charger.  The charger is capable of fully charging an EV battery in roughly four hours.  The cost of the system will start at $1,500 for homes and businesses.

SEE OTHER TOP STORIES IN THE WDM CONTENT NETWORK

Redskins team with NRG Energy for Solar Stadium

Solar Millennium Changes Name to STA Development

Read the latest issue of Energy Digital!

So how much money can one expect to save by using a solar EV charger versus buying electricity from the grid?  According to SolarCity, EV drivers in San Francisco pay an average of $107 per month to charge off the power grid.  By comparison, EV drivers leasing a solar charger from SolarCity can expect to pay $54 per month on average. 

SolarCity will offer the solar charging stations as either an add-on to existing solar panels, or complete with the system’s own solar array.  SolarCity’s entry into the EV charging market is a smart move considering the company’s business model.  With its distributed solar systems spanning several cities and adorning thousands of square feet of rooftops, SolarCity is ideally positioned to offer charging solutions to the coming electric vehicle renaissance.  Also, considering that the majority of grid electricity in the U.S. is still derived from coal power, solar powered EV charging is a much more environmentally friendly alternative, which one would assume is a major attraction for EV buyers. 

Share

Featured Articles

5 minutes with Stuart Broadley, Energy Industries Council

EIC CEO Stuart Broadley reveals the challenges that lie ahead for oil and gas firms now net zero is becoming an increasingly important goal for businesses

SAP: Is 'complex' wind energy supply chain slowing adoption?

SAP digital supply chain and manufacturing expert Darcy MacClaren warns complex logistics and complicated regulations are limiting wind energy adoption

Decentralised energy key to circumventing grid delays

Aggreko is advising the sector to consider short to mid-term decentralised energy solutions as an effective means of maintaining business continuity.

Renewable energy to become top source of electricity by 2025

Renewable Energy

Nuclear energy — the unsung hero of the climate challenge

Renewable Energy

UK and US announce energy partnership

Oil & Gas