Load-shedding has, unfortunately, become a way of life for modern South Africans. The unreliable power supply has seen us with more load-shedding days than not over the past two years. It has resulted in many companies and individuals resorting to their own power generation for either a permanent supply or to fill in the ever-increasing gaps we find ourselves experiencing.
Related: Can an electric car be charged at home?
South Africa is primed for solar energy adoption with many bright, sunny days as opposed to cloudy, dark hours. This 'free' energy source requires some infrastructure investment to harness the sun's energy. Photovoltaic panels, battery reserves and inverters all cost money, but those who have invested in solar systems are starting to reap the rewards. The transition to electrified vehicles has seen owners explore various ways to charge them.
Can a plug-in hybrid be charged off of solar?
Indeed, you can. Charging an electrified vehicle using solar energy is the greenest way of recharging your Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) or your Electric Vehicle (EV). If you are able to plug the vehicle in during the day, you will draw power directly from the solar panels, but most will opt to draw their charge from their battery reserves. This allows you to plug the PHEV in overnight and wake up to a full charge, provided you have a battery storage system large enough to supply the amount of charge your car requires.
Installing a home vehicle charger will allow you to charge at a more rapid rate (up to 11kW on 2-phase power supply). This will reduce your vehicle charging times but will place more strain on your solar arrangement. The alternative is to drop the vehicle charge power to a more manageable 5 or 7 kW and simply wait that little bit longer. If you're charging overnight from a battery reserve, then this shouldn't be an issue. Find out how to get a home charger installed here. Keep in mind that you may want to add additional photovoltaic panels to your arrangement to compensate for the additional current draw.
