EV CHARGING
Will EV charging stations become the next must-have accessory? BY T E R A N C E J . H A R P E R , M . S | AS S I S TA N T E N G I N E E R I N G M A N AG E R | I L L U M I N E - I
Over
the next 10 years, electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to increase their share of the automobile market significantly. According to a report from Deloitte, the “global EV forecast is for a compound annual growth rate of 29% over the next 10 years [with] total EV sales growing from 2.5 million in 2020 to 11.2 million in 2025 and reaching 31.1 million by 2030.” With such exponential growth expected in the EV market, the question of how to keep all those vehicles charged without relying on fossil-fuel produced electricity is emerging as a central concern for homeowners and businesses
16
SOLAR POWER WORLD // 2022 RENEWABLE ENERGY HANDBOOK
across the country. As more residential and commercial buildings decide to add EV chargers to their properties, many of them are choosing to marry their EV charging stations with solar installations. The synergy is obvious. EVs are designed to lower the transportation sector’s carbon emissions, while solar installations are designed to reduce the carbon footprint of electricity production. Most importantly, the two technologies are easy to integrate, making them costeffective for projects where saving money is at a premium. In this article, we will discuss the current state of the EV charger market,
how to choose the type of electrical panel necessary to support EV charger networks, and why engaging an engineering firm early in the process is essential to getting the job done right. The current state of the market is strong (and growing) As more consumers gain access to EVs, the push for increased charger accessibility is coming from the EV owners themselves. In particular, luxury apartment tenants are demanding that their buildings add EV chargers to their garages.
SOLARPOWERWORLDONLINE.COM
