Charge Your EV with Solar
Nova Scotia is witnessing an exciting transformation in how we power our lives—both at home and on the road. When combined, solar power and electric vehicles (EVs) offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the province’s energy needs.
Here’s a look at how solar power supports EV charging in Nova Scotia.
Power Generation Even On Cloudy Days
While Nova Scotia may not have the year-round sunny conditions in other regions, modern solar technology has advanced to the point where some cloudier days (even foggy ones) can generate sufficient energy. Solar energy can power homes, businesses, and vehicles year-round.
Cost Savings for EV Owners
A concern for potential EV owners is the cost of charging. While EVs are cheaper to run than gas vehicles, the cost of electricity can add up, especially for daily commuters. This is where solar power provides an advantage.
By installing solar panels at home, EV owners can dramatically reduce the cost of charging their vehicles. In many cases, homeowners can produce enough solar energy during the day to cover their household electricity usage, including EV charging, and still have power to spare! This excess energy can be stored in a home battery or sold back to the grid.
In Nova Scotia, home batteries can connect to your solar panels, allowing you to store energy, often drawing power during off-peak times.
Nova Scotia Power’s Enhanced Net Metering program allows homeowners to credit surplus solar energy back to the grid, providing a financial incentive that can offset the cost of installing solar panels. Read our previous blog post about Net Metering.
Supports Rural and Remote Areas
While EV charging stations are expanding across Nova Scotia, some rural and remote areas still lack infrastructure. Solar power can bring renewable energy solutions to these areas. Remote homes and businesses that generate their own solar power can install EV charging stations without relying heavily on the grid. This ensures that even areas far from Halifax, Truro, etc, can charge up independently.
For businesses in Nova Scotia’s tourism sector, offering EV charging powered by solar panels is an attractive way to appeal to eco-conscious visitors.
The Future of EV Charging in Nova Scotia
Solar-powered EV charging stations, whether at home or in public spaces, are becoming more common in North America, which makes it a matter of time before it reaches here. A good resource is the Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada (they have an active Facebook Page).
With advancements in solar technology, battery storage, and more widespread availability of EVs, residents and businesses across the province are already enjoying the benefits of using solar energy to charge their EVs.
Plug into Solar
If you own an EV or are considering buying one, many options exist for installing solar and home battery systems to offset the cost of charging. Get started by visiting Solar Ascent.
Complete the contact form to receive a custom solar proposal tailored to your home or business.
Solar Ascent makes solar simple. 🌞
