Solar + EV: Drive on Sunshine
“Power Your Drive with the Sun”
“Solar + EV: Cheaper, Cleaner, Smarter”
For Solar Owners
“You’ve Got the Sun — Now Drive on It.”
Your rooftop solar can power your EV for pennies per mile. Excess solar production can fuel your car instead of being sold back at lower rates. Drive cleaner and cheaper with the sun you already own.
For Those Without Solar Yet
“Why Stop at Driving Electric? Power It with Solar.”
Pairing solar with an EV locks in stable energy prices, avoids rising fuel costs, and gives you energy independence. Even without incentives, solar is one of the best long-term investments for your home and your wallet.
“Act Now — Beyond Tax Credits.”
Fuel Savings — Driving electric is 3–5x cheaper than gas.
Stable Energy — Solar shields you from volatile oil markets.
Low Maintenance — Fewer repairs, no oil changes.
Cleaner Air — Healthier communities for Arizona families.
Gas Vehicle: ~$90,000
EV + Grid Power: ~$65,000
EV + Solar: ~$50,000
This shows how EVs save significantly over their lifetime, with the greatest savings when paired with solar.
Testimonials
“Arizona Drivers Already Know the Benefits”
Quote 1: “Our panels power our home and both EVs — we haven’t bought gas in nine years.” – John M., Scottsdale, AZ
Quote 2: “Adding solar after buying my EV was the smartest financial move I’ve ever made.” – Peter C., Mesa, AZ
Call to Action
“Ready to Drive on Sunshine?”
“Find Solar Installers”à The best way to find a solar installer in Arizona is to compare multiple quotes from installers found on platforms like EnergySage and SolarReviews, and then verify their credentials through the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or NABCEP certification. Additionally, always check the installer's local reputation on the Better Business Bureau and online review sites, and consider requesting referrals from the company.
Educational Resources
“Learn More About Solar + EV”
Savings Calculator — Estimate your solar + EV savings. (under development)
Top Questions Answered — Everything you need to know. (under development)
GOT SOLAR? Why buy gas?
Power Your Drive with the Sun
Arizona is one of the sunniest places on Earth — why not let that sunshine fuel your drive? Pairing rooftop solar with an electric vehicle (EV) gives families the freedom to power daily life and transportation with clean, local energy. Even without federal credits, the math still adds up: solar + EV saves money, builds resilience, and clears the air.
Cost Savings that Last for Decades
Rooftop Solar: While installation requires upfront investment, solar panels often pay for themselves in 7–10 years, then deliver decades of virtually free electricity. Arizona’s abundant sunlight makes returns even stronger.
EV Charging with Solar: Driving on sunshine can lower fuel costs to just 2–3¢ per mile, compared to 15–25¢ per mile with gasoline. That means hundreds of dollars saved each year per vehicle.
Backup Batteries: Adding a home battery lets you store solar energy for nighttime charging or emergency use. Even without incentives, batteries are becoming more affordable and extend the value of your solar system.
Independence and Resilience
Energy Sovereignty: Instead of relying on imported fossil fuels, you power your car and home with Arizona’s most abundant natural resource — the sun.
Reliable Power: Solar + batteries keep the lights on and your EV charged during outages, when gas pumps and supply chains may fail.
Stable Costs: Electricity from solar is predictable and insulated from global oil price spikes.
Cleaner, Smarter Driving
Zero Tailpipe Emissions: EVs charged on solar produce no smog or air pollution — cleaner air for families and healthier communities.
Driving on Sunshine: Every mile becomes a statement of independence, resilience, and care for the land.
Future-Ready: With EVs and solar working together, households are equipped for a changing energy landscape where clean power is the foundation.
Bottom Line
Even without federal credits, pairing Solar + EV in Arizona is a smart investment. Solar power cuts household energy bills for decades, EVs cost less to operate and maintain, and batteries add resilience that gas cars can’t match. Together, they create a future where every mile driven is cheaper, cleaner, and powered by the desert sun.
Would you like me to also draft a shorter version in a marketing-style tone (catchy headings, tighter sentences) for quick reading on the Spirit of Arizona landing page?
The Natural Incentives
Cost Comparison: Gas vs Solar Charging
| Category | Gasoline Cost (AZ) | Home Solar Charging (AZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Metric | Per gallon ($/gal) | Per kWh effective cost ($/kWh) |
| Typical Price | $3.33 – $3.55/gal | After incentives: ≈ $0.06–$0.08/kWh (amortized) |
| Cost Per Mile (gas, 30 mpg) | ≈ 11–12¢ per mile | EV efficiency ~4 mi/kWh → ≈ 1.5–2¢ per mile |
| Payback Period (solar) | N/A | ~ 11 years (Arizona average) |
Example Cost per Mile
A gas car at 30 mpg pays ~10¢/mile (at $3.00/gal).
An EV using solar at $0.06 per kWh, with an average efficiency of 4 miles/kWh, pays only ~1.5¢ per mile—over 6× cheaper per mile.
Summary
Gasoline: ~$3.20 per gallon, costing around 10¢ per mile for a 30 mpg car.
Home Solar Charging: ~$0.06–$0.08 per kWh, costing approximately 1.5–2¢ per mile for EVs.
Solar charging is significantly cheaper—multiple times less expensive per mile driven—and offers substantial long-term savings compared to both grid electricity and gasoline.
Time-of-Use Electricity Rates (via SRP)
Depending on your rate plan, electricity costs:
Summer on‑peak: ~8.23¢/kWh
Summer off‑peak: ~6.13¢/kWh
However, solar can lower this even more by offsetting your grid usage.
Payback & Net Metering
EnergySage states Arizona homeowners typically see a payback period of ~11 years and can replace 99% of their electricity from the grid.
Arizona’s net metering policy allows roll-over credits, but compensation for excess energy is paid at avoided cost rates—not full retail rate.
Real-World Example
From an AP News story: a Goodyear, Arizona homeowner used a rooftop solar system to eliminate both electricity and gasoline costs altogether—by charging an EV at home via solar.
| Metric | Gasoline (per gallon) | Solar Charging (per kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | ~$3.19–$3.25 | ~$0.06–$0.08 |
| Equivalent Cost per Mile (approx.) | (Assuming 30 mpg) ~10¢ | (Assuming ~4 miles/kWh) ~1.5–2¢ |
Summary Highlights
Gasoline: Costs around $3.3–$3.6/gallon in Arizona, leading to ~11–12¢ per mile for a 30 mpg vehicle.
Home Solar Charging: Once installed, solar energy can yield effective electricity costs of ~1.5–2¢ per mile for an EV—making it over 5× cheaper per mile than gas.
Solar Payback: Solar systems in Arizona typically pay for themselves in about 11 years, with long-term savings and significant reduction in energy dependence.
Net Metering Caveat: Arizona pays solar customers the avoided cost rate for excess generation, not the full retail rate, which affects overall savings—but solar remains economically viable.
Final Thought
If you’re considering the switch, solar charging your EV in Arizona is not only far cheaper per mile than fueling with gasoline—it’s also a smart long-term investment, especially with current incentives and strong sunshine