On-site solar PV is a photovoltaic (PV) system installed at the same location where electricity is used—such as an office, depot, retail site, or charging hub—to generate electricity from sunlight. In EV charging, on-site solar PV is used to supply part of the charging load, reduce grid imports, and support sustainability and cost-optimization goals.
Where on-site solar PV is typically installed
Common installation types at charging sites include:
– Rooftop PV on offices, warehouses, parking structures, and depots
– Solar carports over parking bays (often paired with EV charging bays)
– Ground-mount PV on adjacent land for logistics or industrial sites
– Hybrid PV + battery storage systems to increase self-consumption
How on-site solar PV integrates with EV charging
Solar PV can support charging in several ways:
– Direct self-consumption: chargers use PV generation in real time
– Managed charging (solar-following): shift charging to midday solar peaks
– Battery buffering: store surplus PV to support evening charging or peak shaving
– Import/export control: use site controllers to respect grid export limits and site demand caps
– Reporting: track PV contribution to kWh delivered for ESG and customer reporting
Why on-site solar PV matters for EV charging
– Reduces energy costs by lowering purchased kWh and improving price predictability
– Supports net-zero and renewable targets when combined with transparent accounting
– Improves ROI for workplace and depot charging where daytime dwell aligns with solar output
– Helps mitigate grid constraints by lowering net site imports during peak solar hours
– Enhances site value and attractiveness (tenant offering, employee benefits, green branding)
Key design considerations
– Match profiles: PV produces most at midday; benefits are highest when charging demand overlaps
– Export rules: grid interconnection limits can constrain PV sizing and economics
– Electrical integration: inverter sizing, protection coordination, and metering placement
– Shading and structure: roof load capacity, orientation, and maintenance access
– Scalability: plan for future EV growth—ducting, switchboard space, controller capacity
– Safety and compliance: fire safety routes, isolators, signage, and commissioning tests
Benefits
– Higher self-consumption reduces payback time (site-dependent)
– Can reduce peak import when combined with managed charging or storage
– Visible sustainability measure—especially with carports and public sites
– Provides data for carbon reporting and sustainability dashboards
Limitations and challenges
– Seasonal variation and weather dependency
– Limited benefit if charging demand is mostly overnight without storage
– Upfront capex and ongoing maintenance (inverters, cleaning, monitoring)
– Carport PV adds construction complexity but often improves aesthetics and usability
– Carbon claims must be defined clearly (site-based generation vs contractual instruments)
Related glossary terms
On-site renewable generation
On-site renewables
On-site generation
Renewable integration
Managed charging
Load management
On-site battery buffering
On-site energy storage
Peak shaving
Net-zero charging