So far, 2021 has been a banner year for electric vehicles in the United States. From January to September, U.S. consumers purchased more than 305,000 all-electric vehicles, an increase of about 83% from the same time period in 2020, according to Kelley Blue Book.

All-electric cars and trucks now account for around 2.6% of all new light-duty vehicles sold in the country, up from 1.6% at this point in 2020. These huge gains could be overshadowed by what is expected in 2022.

As more consumers switch to fully electric vehicles (EVs), the need for electric charging stations grows as service gaps remain. While it’s hard to beat the free electric vehicle charging stations located in some Target stores, co-ops, or other parking lots, the need for private home electric charging stations is on the rise. What better way to generate this electricity than with solar power?

Throw fossil fuels on the sidewalk at home and on the road

A major advantage of buying an EV finally kicks off fossil fuels. For many consumers, a top reason to switch to an EV is the peace of mind of knowing that they have dramatically reduced the amount of emissions and waste they produce each year by eliminating the need for gasoline and oil. Unfortunately, most of the electricity in the United States and around 45 percent energy in Minnesota still comes from fossil fuel power plants.

Those who have bought an EV have already made a great choice for themselves, for the environment and for the future when it comes to the mode of transportation they have chosen. It makes sense to take the next step and swap fossil fuel energy in a home or business for a more sustainable and green solution. Solar panels can be installed on the roof of a garage, a house or other structure; the EV charger can be mounted outdoors for easy access or inside a garage to meet the cold Minnesota winters.

Solar charging is cheaper

When it comes to charge an electric vehicle at home, doing it with self-powered solar power is also the most cost effective way available. Electricity produced by solar panels is more economical than buying electricity directly from the local utility. While the initial amount saved could be pennies on the dollar, solar power could easily save thousands of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle, especially as utility prices continue to rise. increase every year.

The benefits don’t end when the EV has finished charging. When the EV is unplugged, the solar panels will continue to generate power that can be used elsewhere on the property. If the power produced is more than what is needed, the surplus is passed to the local grid for a credit on the solar owner’s electric bill, a practice known as net billing. Solar power systems in Minnesota can be designed to generate up to 120% of a property’s expected electricity needs.

Funds to help solar power are achievable and limited

Significant credits, discounts, and incentive programs are available to help bring solar power to many homes or businesses, and they can be stacked for substantial savings. The Federal investment tax credit for installing solar power is 26%, and Minnesota does not charge sales tax on solar costs.

Other localized programs are available in select communities and utilities in Minnesota, but have limited funding and are first come, first served. Once those funds are depleted, there is no guarantee of their return in the future, as was shown earlier this year when the Iowa legislature allowed the state’s solar tax incentives to expire.

Driving on the power of the sun will give you the peace of mind that you are making the right choice for your wallet and the planet.

How do you know if you or your business is eligible for funds to switch to solar power? Contact us to schedule your free solar analysis and no-obligation quote to see how much you can save!

About All Energy Solar

Every year, All Energy Solar makes the switch to solar power accessible to homeowners of all kinds – residential, commercial, agricultural, municipal and more. As Minnesota’s trusted leader in solar energy, our industry experience allows us to confidently handle all aspects of the solar process. From initial energy analysis and concepts, to engineering and design, to construction and monitoring, our team pride themselves on being experts in all aspects of our field.

Break the cycle of “renting” your electricity to the utility company. Get a Free Virtual Solar Consultation from All Energy Solar.