Solar power and electric vehicles (EVs) are intrinsically entwined to form a compelling association that will help shape the future of clean transportation in the UK. Harnessing and storing solar energy to power EVs represents a significant step toward carbon neutrality.
The Rise of EVs
The adoption of electric vehicles is snowballing across the UK, driven by concerns over global warming and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EVs’ market share will continue to expand as the country approaches the Government’s impending ban on new sales of fossil fuel vehicles.
This exponential growth in EV numbers will necessitate the charging infrastructure to keep abreast of rising charge point demand. If the current trend in new EV car sales continues, it’s reasonable to expect the electric car sector to flourish, which could, in turn, place additional strain on the National Grid. Assuming the UK is going to park combustion engines permanently and cut its carbon emissions, the generation of electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar, coupled with robust storage solutions, is crucial.
Fleet Electrification
The pressure is mounting on UK businesses to reduce their environmental impact in support of the fight against climate change. Replacing fossil fuel fleets with EVs is a core aspect of their efforts, especially when complemented by the installation of solar panels to help power on-site recharge points. By aligning their clean energy goals with sustainable transportation, businesses can demonstrate environmental leadership and inspire others to adopt similar practices.
Transcending the benefit to the atmosphere, there are several other compelling reasons why fleet operators should consider electrification and solar installation. Notwithstanding the large-scale initial investment, running an all-electric fleet will ultimately reduce operational costs by significantly improving the charge per mile and cutting maintenance spend. The addition of a photovoltaic (PV) system will reduce business spending even further, by contributing energy to the site’s EV chargers.
Furthermore, branded EVs running on electricity generated by solar power will showcase the company’s commitment to sustainability and make a positive statement to the community, whilst attracting like-minded customers and frustrating the competition.
Solar Power for EVs
Solar power is becoming increasingly accessible and far more cost-effective than ever before, prompting many businesses to re-evaluate their energy strategy and explore the benefits of solar panel installation.
Solar energy can be used not only to power a business’s lighting and heating but additionally, when conserved in battery storage, it can play a significant role in keeping electric vehicle fleets operational.
Solar panels installed at workplaces, charging stations or forecourts can generate clean electricity directly from the sun. This approach reduces reliance on the grid and ensures that EVs are charged with renewable energy, further reducing carbon emissions and consequently the business’s carbon footprint.
By using solar energy, EV fleet operators can enjoy lower electricity costs compared to traditional grid-powered charging. With the volatility and uncertainty of future energy pricing, and the need for heavy investment into the UK electricity network, the ability to generate clean energy on-site through solar panels locks businesses into stable energy costs, providing long-term savings and guarding against market fluctuations and supply constraints.
Battery Storage
Solar battery storage can be an ideal solution for companies looking to take control of their energy costs and transfer more of their operations to renewable power. Batteries store excess electricity produced by a solar installation during the day, keeping it in reserve for times when electricity is costly or during periods of low production such as overcast weather or nighttime.
Solar panels and battery storage systems allow businesses to increase their solar energy generation, reduce their reliance on utility providers for their energy and safeguard against price rises; effectively securing the cost of their energy for years to come.
Investing in commercial battery storage enables businesses to take full advantage of their solar PV systems while future-proofing their energy management as their needs evolve. The combination of reliable technology, advantageous financial benefits and environmental control makes solar energy storage an attractive proposition.
Ultimately, integrating solar energy storage with EV fleets enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and supports a greener energy ecosystem. Furthermore, there are rewarding initiatives that recompense operators for their stored energy. At times of high demand and low supply, solar generated energy can be fed back to the grid to help meet requirements, During times of low demand, the battery system can take excess energy from the grid and store it for later use. These are both extremely lucrative ways of businesses trading their generated and stored energy.
The Future of Solar-Charged EVs
The integration of solar power and electric vehicles holds immense potential for the future of transportation in the UK. As the adoption of EVs continues to grow and solar power becomes increasingly mainstream, the convergence of these technologies will lead to a more sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure.
While challenges remain, such as the need for improved energy storage and upgrades to the national grid, the path to a viable, fossil-free electricity generation system is becoming clearer and more achievable.
TSG Charge and TSG Solar are here to help
Charge Point Installation
TSG Charge supports fleet operators willing to take the next step in the transition from traditional fuels to greener, more sustainable alternatives. With over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, TSG provides a complete end-to-end turnkey EV charge solution, from site survey, design, consultancy and distribution network operator (DNO) connections.
TSG is now established as one of the UK’s first-choice engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, delivering all works within a predefined timescale and budget. Working with fleet operators to determine the ideal charger type for the business, location and the number of points required, regardless of the scale of the operation. TSG can project manage the entire installation with ease; creating an infrastructure to support the growth of EV charge points as demand increases.
Charge Point Service and maintenance
Effective preventative maintenance management on EV charge stations is critical to operational success. Consequently, TSG has developed a customised service and maintenance programme to cover EV charging solutions and electrical infrastructure throughout the year.
Solar PV installations
TSG works in unison with customers to design a solar system that best suits their operation, adhering to the regulatory requirements of the location. TSG will complete an extensive site survey, audit report and feasibility study, together with a detailed quote, including both solar panels and storage systems, outlining the potential return on investment (ROI) and profitability of the proposed investment.
TSG only supplies and installs the highest grade of solar panels and battery storage for each PV installation, managing every stage of the project, including civil works, infrastructure, cabling, connections and commissioning.
