So, what is the Electric Revolution?
Well, it’s already underway and it’s having a domino effect through every corner of the global economy.
THE ELECTRIC REVOLUTION
Harness the Power of Nature
Over the last 70 years or so, various technologies have been developed to allow active solar collection. Meaning, we can improve the process, store the energy or convert it into other forms. Solar panels are the most common form of active solar collection; they absorb solar energy and convert it into electricity.
In line with this, automotive electrification has positively disrupted the industry. From the Nissan Leaf to the Tesla Model S; or on the horizon, the Apple car or the Google, this is indeed an exciting era of innovation that we face. Not only are we able to reap up the benefits of a futuristic automobile, with its snazzy technology and aesthetically pleasing appeal, but also, we start to look at the more economical benefits it brings. With little servicing and maintenance required, enticing tax benefits as well as a massively reduced fuel bill, EVs are undoubtedly a wise choice. Furthermore, and perhaps the most precious benefit of all; you are heading on the sustainable route of creating a greener environment.
One of the biggest objections that a consumer has before or even after making the transition to an EV, is the charging infrastructure. But now that there’s over eleven thousand connectors across over four thousand locations in the UK, with more and more being installed every month, EV charging has become much simpler. Service stations, hotels, golf clubs and shopping centres have all adopted this technology and a desire to fulfil their duty in helping us reach a greener environment.
However, in the rat race to get the global industry on the same page by launching new EVs, creating more charging infrastructure, enhancing technology further, we must remember the essential reason why we started this electric revolution in the first place. One of the biggest arguments we can raise is although EVs have a great potential to reduce carbon emissions, it is important to realise this potential is heavily dependent on the type of electricity that charges you battery. Electric cars are as green as their juice…
Due to the fact that power generation is mostly grid-tied, WHERE a car is charged plays a vital role in determining its carbon emissions. Using electricity that is generated from the grid is arguably much less impactful than putting fuel into your car, however, it is still adding to your carbon footprint. Thus, visiting a charging station could be
contradictory to your end goal. Furthermore, as EVs start to get more and more popular, the demand to use them leads to companies introducing a cost element. As we’ve seen in recent examples, Ecotricity charging for half hour usage as well as Tesla ending free supercharging as of January 2017, and instead introducing a credit system.
On the other hand, you must ask yourself where does 90% of charging your EV actually occur? It’s usually where you’re charging your own batteries! Your home is the most convenient charging station and this is fundamental for a few reasons;
You have complete control over...
Where your car charger is installed
When you’d like to program your car to charge
And most importantly, what form of energy you are using to charge your car
Savings & Mileage Calculators
Environmentally Sound, Economically Wise!
Our calculators will give you a good indication of the economics of a solar PV supported EV charging solution.
By selecting your geographic location in the UK, the output of the PV system you are considering (this will depend on the size of EV-Port you select, see our configurator) and the unit cost of the electricity, you will get a realistic estimate of the annual earnings & savings and the payback over 20 years. The EV-Port won’t pay for itself but besides contributing to a more sustainable future you will also see some real financial benefits.
The savings become even more significant if you take the fuel costs of a traditional Internal combustion engine into account.
The figures of our solar mileage calculator show that the combination of a solar PV system with the replacement of your fossil fuel burning car with an EV become economically very attractive!
Savings and Payback Calculator
Annual
Output
Feed In
Earnings (FIT)
Export
Earnings
Savings on
Electricity Bill
Total Payback
Per Year
Total Payback
Over 20 Years
Solar Miles Calculator
Solar Miles
Per Year
Fuel
Savings
* Figures based on: Feed In Tariff(FIT): 4.11p, Export Tariff: 4.91p. Self consumption 50% without storage battery and 80% with storage battery. Photovoltaic Performance Estimation based on MCS Guide Tables.
