As electric vehicles gain traction and are now being eyed by both urban and rural buyers as a mode of clean and green mobility, the need for sustainable and cost-effective charging solutions is more pressing than ever.
We have previously written and again reinforcing, the most economical sense of EV ownership comes from at-home charging via the vehicle’s supplied charger—be it the portable 3 kW charger or the 7/7.2/7.4 kW AC fast charger.
So, powering a 3 kW or 7 kW EV charger with a solar rooftop plant is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and save on electricity costs.
Blessed are those who have the space to install a rooftop or a ground-mounted solar plant to power their homes and their electric vehicles in India’s cities, towns and villages, living the ideal example of sustainable living.
Here is an essential guide and some basic math on how to set up a solar-powered system to make full use of the economics and physics of solar-powered home EV charging.
Our newly built farm house is completely on #SolarEnergy and we are testing it for the possibility of 100% dependency on #SustainableEnergy
No external EB supply used in the last 7 days of project implementation.
All appliances including EV are running on solar power. pic.twitter.com/AKKF8YXFck
— Capt.Santhosh. K.C. (@captsanthoshkc) February 26, 2025
The Requirements
To set up a solar-powered EV charging system, you’ll need:
1. Space:
Around 800-1100 sq. ft., south-facing, rooftop space or clear land to install an 8-10 kWp solar plant.
2. Solar Panels:
A 7 kW charger typically requires a solar plant with a capacity of 8-10 kWp to account for efficiency losses and other energy needs. Monocrystalline panels are preferred as they are more efficient but a tad expensive over their Polycrystalline cousins.
3. Solar Inverter:
Converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity.
4. Charge Controller:
Regulates the flow of electricity to prevent overcharging.
5. Mounting Structures:
To securely install solar panels on your rooftop or land.
6. Wiring and Electrical Components:
Includes cables, connectors, and safety equipment.
7. Battery Storage (Optional):
When on-grid net metering is not possible, you will need batteries to store the solar energy for nighttime charging and become an on-demand power bank.
8. EV Charger:
A 7 kW Level 2 AC fast charger is ideal for home use. Many EV manufacturers bundle in a 7 kW fast charger with the vehicle and its installation as part of the package so check and confirm at the showroom.
On-Grid vs. Off-Grid Systems
1. On-Grid System:
Connected to the electricity grid via net metering, allowing you to export excess solar energy and draw power when solar production is low. Best option and the most cost-effective as it eliminates the need for batteries.
2. Off-Grid System:
Independent of the grid installation with battery storage as the power bank, relying entirely on solar panels and the power bank.vSuitable for areas with unreliable grid electricity but involves higher initial costs.
It’s so nice feeling…. to see that your Electric Vehicle (EV) is being charged by Solar Power :) pic.twitter.com/IcuHqVLUVE
— Ranjit (@geekyranjit) April 16, 2023
Subsidies Available in India
The government and various states offer subsidies to promote solar adoption:
1. Central Government Plans:
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
This scheme provides a subsidy of 60% of the solar unit cost for systems up to 2kW capacity and 40% of additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3kW capacity. At current prices, this will mean around ₹30,000 subsidy for a 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for 2 kW systems and ₹78,000 for 3 kW systems or higher.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy or MNRE’s Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II)
The scheme provides a 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW rooftop solar installations. This scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies or DISCOMs.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Crosses Milestone of 🔟 Lakh Installations
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, has achieved a significant milestone by completing 10.09 lakh installations across the country as of… pic.twitter.com/R1S7Y0ZMjk
— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 12, 2025
2. State-Specific Subsidies:
Many states have subsidies and incentives for solar power installations for homes, farms, and solar water pumps for farm irrigation and regulated by state electricity boards and state DISCOM’s.
Cost of Installation
The cost of setting up a solar-powered EV charging system varies based on the components and system size:
• Solar Panels: ₹40,000–₹50,000 per kW.
• Inverter: ₹50,000–₹100,000.
• Battery Storage: ₹10,000–₹15,000 per kWh (optional).
• EV Charger: ₹30,000–₹100,000 for a 7 kW charger.
• Installation and Miscellaneous Costs: ₹20,000–₹50,000.
For a 10 kW solar plant with a 7 kW charger, the total cost ranges from ₹5–₹7 lakh. Subsidies can significantly reduce this amount.
Economics of Solar-Powered EV Charging
Cost Savings:
Solar electricity costs ₹2.5–₹3 per kWh, compared to ₹6–₹8 per kWh for grid electricity.
Charging a 40 kWh EV battery with solar costs ₹100–₹130, while grid charging costs ₹250–₹350.
Return on Investment:
The initial investment pays off in 5–7 years through electricity savings.
With a lifespan of 25 years for solar panels, you enjoy nearly two decades of free electricity.
Environmental Benefits:
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and cuts down greenhouse gas emissions.
Net Net Benefits
Switching to an EV as a primary or secondary personal mobility ride is as much an economical choice as it should be as a sustainable choice.
Running your 3 or 7-kW EV charger with a solar rooftop plant is the cherry on top. With government subsidies, falling solar costs, and long-term savings on electricity, this setup is an investment for your sustainable future.
And many are already reaping the benefits of charging their EVs for “free” at home via solar power but yes there are some caveats like in off-grid, rainy season or overcast weather conditions may not have enough solar juice to charge the batteries to further power the EV so keep these factors in mind.
All said, often economics trumps sustainability but with so much going for switching to solar and EV, think the time is right to go electric and embrace the latest in automotive and renewable power tech to save money and our planet.
About the Author
GoElec aims to inform, educate, and raise awareness about the growing electric vehicle ecosystem in India and the transformative impact of modern technology and artificial intelligence on the way we travel.
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