Exploring the nexus between solar installation and EVs

In a paper exploring the nexus between solar potential and electric vehicle uptake, researchers from the University of Auckland observed that the joint use of solar panels and electric vehicles offers a sustainable option for decarbonisation.

The study, published in the international journal Energy Policy, used Auckland-centric data to determine whether the existence of solar panels is positively associated with electric vehicle (EV) uptake.

Dr Le Wen, a research fellow at the University of Auckland Business School’s Energy Centre, said the researchers found that households that had installed residential solar were more likely to purchase EVs.

“As researchers, we wanted to see whether there is a link or potential correlation between solar and EV uptake, and we found that there is.

“Our study shows that solar panel uptake has the potential to encourage the adoption of EVs by providing sustainable charging solutions,” Wen said.

Government and transport agencies have implemented strategies such as the Clean Car Discount to promote EV uptake, resulting in significant EV sales growth. However, solar capacity is still low, Wen said.

“This is an area that policymakers should pay attention to. Because solar panels are positively associated with EV uptake, developing policy packages that can promote the uptake of both would benefit emission reduction and help achieve the net-zero carbon target by 2050.”

Co-author Dr Selena Sheng, a senior research fellow at the Energy Centre, said electric vehicles and solar installations would be mutually beneficial in helping Aotearoa New Zealand transition to a low-carbon economy.

“EVs can provide storage to take care of any surplus energy produced by solar panels. They can use this stored energy for driving or household use.

“If you don’t use the energy generated by your solar panels, you can sell it back to the grid, or it goes to waste. But if you have an EV, it will increase usability because you can charge your battery and store energy there. Households investing in solar have the potential to accelerate EV uptake.”

The researchers also noted that power collected from solar can be stored in the EV and used as an emergency backup in a power outage, with the help of a bidirectional charger.

Basil Sharp, an emeritus professor in energy economics, said the study also showed that, unsurprisingly, the availability of public chargers bolsters EV uptake. The early-adopters phase of solar also positively impacted subsequent EV uptake, he said.

“We also found that males are more likely to install solar. Larger households are more likely to use solar because of their greater electricity needs. And, not surprisingly, higher unemployment rates mean people are less likely to adopt solar.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Teamjackson