The Increasing Trend of Solar Adoption Among EV Owners
The adoption of solar panels is surging among electric vehicle (EV) owners, as found in a comprehensive study by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The connection between owning an EV and the likelihood of installing solar panels at home is evident and becoming increasingly significant.
The Mutual Influence of EVs and Solar Panels
It appears that the presence of photovoltaic (PV) panels on a home can influence the decision to purchase an EV as well, though this influence is not as pronounced. The research collaborative, including experts from NREL, the University of California Santa Barbara, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, delved into data from the NREL’s 2018 WholeTraveler Transportation Behavior Study and the 2022 Residential Energy Consumption survey. The findings from both studies align, underscoring this emerging pattern of joint adoption.
The Complementary Nature of EVs and PVs
Shivam Sharda, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the harmonious relationship between EVs and solar panels in bolstering the resilience of energy systems. He notes the potential benefits to grid stability and energy management that arise from the combined use of these technologies.
The Current Gap in Deployment and Behavior
However, the study points to a disjointed deployment of EVs and solar panel technology. According to researchers, this is largely due to a lack of understanding regarding the behavioral interdependence between consumer preferences for these technologies.
Insights from the 2018 Survey
The 2018 survey revealed an interesting dynamic: while 9.1% of the participants owned solar panels, only 6.5% had an EV. Among EV owners, 25% had also installed solar panels, but this figure dropped significantly to just 8% among those without an EV. Sharda suggests that the incentive for EV owners to adopt solar is driven by the appeal of a less expensive and clean energy source for home car charging.
Social Influence and Technology Adoption
A key factor in adopting either of these technologies seems to be awareness and social interaction. Sharda underscores the impact of having conversations with friends or family who already use these technologies, as firsthand accounts significantly shape perceptions and decisions about owning EVs or PVs.
The Potential for Combined Incentives
The study advocates for the government to consider joint incentives to encourage the combined adoption of EVs and solar technologies. As EV owners are already predisposed to use solar power, offering bundled incentives could expedite this transition, enabling a more sustainable and integrated approach to energy consumption.
Titled “The Electric Vehicles-Solar Photovoltaics Nexus: Driving Cross-Sectoral Adoption of Sustainable Technologies,” the research is published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, adding authoritative weight to these important findings.
