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.

The Natural Incentives

“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. 

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.

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?”

Educational Resources

“Learn More About Solar + EV”