Adding EV Charging to Solar
Three Reasons to Add Electric Vehicle Charging to a Solar Energy System
With federal government incentives implemented in the past two years, there has been new awareness about electric vehicles and additional car and truck models have been introduced. EV sales in smaller states like Massachusetts have been robust. Range anxiety, the fear that the electric vehicle will not have enough charge to cover the distance traveled with access to charging, is lower when routine distances traveled are tens of miles and not hundreds of miles.
Buyers and policy makers agree that the availability of EV charging stations is still inadequate and more progress is needed. Installing more chargers is a priority in Massachusetts. Here are three reasons Cabral Solar recommends you look at the option of adding EV charging stations when evaluating a solar energy system for your business.
Massachusetts Government Prioritizes EV Spending
The current state administration has pledged to put 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. Longer term, the goal is defined to transition nearly all Commonwealth vehicles to be zero-emission, and EV is the only present means to that end. To support new policies, the state Legislature in August 2023 completed a study to understand the needed infrastructure and set targets for action.
In 2022 the state approved over $400 million of utility spending to enhance the EV infrastructure. This includes the following emphasis:
- Rebates for single-family and multifamily homes installing EV chargers
- Up to 100% of the costs for charging stations in multi-unit dwellings
- Make-ready incentives for fleet depots
- Make-ready infrastructure for publicly accessible fast charging stations.
Beyond the state and utilities coordinating to upgrade the grid and EV charging network to meet the targeted future needs, the Massachusetts DEP has created MassEVIP (Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program) aimed at business adoption of EV chargers.
EV Charging Stations Generate Income
Locating EV Chargers at your business gives you the opportunity to generate passive income from fees for the service. In early 2024, it was calculated that on average EV drivers in Massachusetts were paying $0.52 per kWh for public charging
Your EV chargers put you on charging network maps. Also, installing EV charging stations at your business along with a solar energy system gives you added visibility to consumers and shows you are making a commitment to sustainability. Visible EV charging stations are recognized not only by EV owners but also by environmentally conscious buyers. For retailers and companies offering services and products to the public, it can supply an added incentive to choose your location over another. In today’s competitive landscape, businesses must think of creative ways to attract customers while also boosting the value of each transaction. Transforming your location into an EV charging destination is one of the simplest ways to do just that.
Adding EV Chargers Benefits Employees and Fleets
Job hunters and current employees increasingly value companies that invest and manage operations to be environmentally proactive. The ability to charge while at work can make one business more attractive than another. Availability of chargers at work is a factor in making it easier for someone to make the decision to buy an EV when shopping, whether a pure BEV (battery electric vehicle) or a plug-in hybrid.
Combining EV chargers and solar energy systems for any business that maintains a fleet, whether a few or many vehicles, makes future transitions to electrification easier. With an onsite charging capability support by solar power, a future purchase of EV trucks and cars makes more financial sense. It’s possible to charge a fleet overnight using the network made available to customer and the public during the day, too.
At Cabral Solar, we are always operating with a “customer first” approach. In every stage of the EPC project process, we communicate the essential progress to each client and consult and advise whenever key decisions are needed.