With the increase in EV models introduced by auto manufacturers combined with the desire to become less dependent on fossil fuels, consumers see EVs as a natural choice. From compacts to SUVs and pickup trucks, EV’s are becoming commonplace in the market. Charging these vehicles at home requires an EV system that can either run off the grid from conventional electricity, or you can offset a portion of your home’s electricity consumption by installing a solar array and battery storage unit, such as a Tesla Power Wall.

Currently, in Alberta it is not feasible to completely offset your home’s power consumption via solar due to climate and seasonal solar drift in the autumn and winter. Instead, the goal is to supplement and augment. During the morning and afternoon, when the sun is at maximum intensity, the solar array captures the energy and stores it in the battery system for later use. Solar + Battery + EV Charger is an investment. More and more consumers are turning to this solution to draw less energy from the conventional power grid.

Often Consumers are incentivized to install solar energy systems in their homes, including residents of the City of Edmonton*. We encourage you to research rebates and incentives available to you through federal, provincial, and municipal programs.

https://homes.changeforclimate.ca/solar-rebate-program/

Smart chargers utilizing battery storage units may also become a requirement for EV vehicles in the future. Many EV drivers instinctively plug in their car when they return home from work as they would their smartphones. However, this is a significant strain on the power grid, as household consumption massively spikes from appliances, televisions, lighting, and more. This may inevitably lead to “charge-at-night-only” scenarios.

*Note - program information may not be current at time of viewing this site