Q. How do you keep the costs down when charging your car at home? A. By using the great source of renewable energy in the sky!
You have taken your first step to help mitigate climate change and lower your emissions by opting to drive an electric vehicle. However, if you are charging from the grid, you are quite likely to be using fossil fuels to generate the electricity needed. Why not think about using renewable energy instead? Better for the planet, and you will save money on your utility bills too in the future. (Re subsidies, the Smart Energy Generator has replaced the Feed in Tariff so if you export surplus, you may be able to get paid by your electricity company.). There are capital costs involved, but you will see a decent return on your investment in years to come.
There are various options with regard to solar energy: new - solar tracking, conventional - static (in or on) roof top or static ground mount, Panel wattage has increased dramatically over the past 3 years. 350 to 400 watt is now standard and 500 watt are coming into production this year.
1. Heliomotion Solar Tracking - winner of the PEA Energy Award Nov 20
These systems are designed in Finland, and now built in the UK - and because the systems track the sun all day from sunrise to sunset, they are up to 45% more efficient in terms of output than a static system. There are four different sizes available and you can read all about them here. There is an accredited installer network in the UK, or you can self install if you are handy with spanners and allen keys, and just ask a qualified electrician to do the wiring and commissioning. No scaffolding or lifting required. Systems can be used singly or in quantity as a microgrid, sharing power, for a community or larger property.
1. Heliomotion Solar Tracking - winner of the PEA Energy Award Nov 20
These systems are designed in Finland, and now built in the UK - and because the systems track the sun all day from sunrise to sunset, they are up to 45% more efficient in terms of output than a static system. There are four different sizes available and you can read all about them here. There is an accredited installer network in the UK, or you can self install if you are handy with spanners and allen keys, and just ask a qualified electrician to do the wiring and commissioning. No scaffolding or lifting required. Systems can be used singly or in quantity as a microgrid, sharing power, for a community or larger property.
2. Roof mounted systems - these have been available and popular for several years and if your roof is strong enough, and your property is not a listed building, they can be a good option if your house faces the right way and you do not have gables or velux windows. There are many installers all round the UK, but scaffolding and lifting equipment will be required, and between 10 and 14 panels may be required depending on the size of your house and output required. Panels can be mounted on rails, or inserted into the roof area.
3. If your roof is unsuitable and you have unshaded space, having a metal framework in your garden with static panels is also a possibility.
Your ChargePoint will take energy from your panels via the inverter, from your storage, or from the mains if necessary.
Battery Storage is a useful addition if you wish to store the surplus energy generated and this enables overnight charging, using a smart charger, if you go to work at a different location.
There are plenty of options to research including the well known Powerwall (market leader) and individual battery systems from companies like Pylon systems, Victron/SMA lead acid, Aquion and lithium ion systems. Prices differ considerably and you need to make sure you have sufficient storage for your needs.
When you have battery storage, if it runs out, your system will automatically switch to the grid so there will be no interruption to your supply. There are various green energy suppliers out there and the MG EV Owners Club has an arrangement with Octopus Energy, which gains new switchers a referral fee for themselves and the MGEVOC club. Link to Octopus here.
3. If your roof is unsuitable and you have unshaded space, having a metal framework in your garden with static panels is also a possibility.
Your ChargePoint will take energy from your panels via the inverter, from your storage, or from the mains if necessary.
Battery Storage is a useful addition if you wish to store the surplus energy generated and this enables overnight charging, using a smart charger, if you go to work at a different location.
There are plenty of options to research including the well known Powerwall (market leader) and individual battery systems from companies like Pylon systems, Victron/SMA lead acid, Aquion and lithium ion systems. Prices differ considerably and you need to make sure you have sufficient storage for your needs.
When you have battery storage, if it runs out, your system will automatically switch to the grid so there will be no interruption to your supply. There are various green energy suppliers out there and the MG EV Owners Club has an arrangement with Octopus Energy, which gains new switchers a referral fee for themselves and the MGEVOC club. Link to Octopus here.