Off-the-grid existence sustained in a compact abode, electric Nissan LEAF fueled by solar energy
Living off-grid with an electric vehicle (EV) is becoming increasingly popular, as more people seek a simpler, more intentional way of life. One such example is Teri Page, who has been living off-grid with a Nissan LEAF in central Vermont for five years.
Teri's journey began with personal recommendations, affordability, and a desire to shift away from the costs of maintaining a gas-powered vehicle. Adding an EV to an off-grid lifestyle makes sense due to the ability to charge EVs using solar energy.
To charge an EV off-grid using solar energy, you need a solar power system that includes solar panels, an inverter, a battery storage system, and a compatible EV charger (often called a solar or smart charger) that can directly utilize the solar energy generated.
The process begins with solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it to direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is then converted by an inverter to alternating current (AC), which is used for most home appliances and EV chargers. A battery storage system stores excess solar energy for use when there is no sunlight (e.g., at night or cloudy days), enabling off-grid capability.
An EV charger connected to the solar setup charges your EV battery using the solar-generated electricity. A smart or solar-compatible charger can prioritize using solar energy over grid power and time charging to when solar production is highest.
Off-grid charging requires adequate system sizing to meet your EV’s charging needs, typically a solar array sized in kilowatts (kW), combined with battery capacity measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example, to cover both home and EV energy needs, a 15-20 kW solar system with battery storage may be necessary for full independence.
Installation is best performed by licensed professionals to ensure secure and efficient connection of your solar panels, inverter, battery, and EV charger.
A Level 2 EV charger (240V) is typically used at home for faster and more efficient charging. You can start small with fewer panels if your driving needs are modest, but larger capacity systems provide more independence.
Maintenance like keeping panels clean and monitoring system output is important for efficiency. Some EV systems support vehicle-to-home (V2H) capabilities, allowing your EV battery to serve as additional energy storage for your home.
Living off-grid often involves producing one’s own energy, collecting one’s own water, and using one’s own hands to contribute to daily needs. During sunnier months from March through October, home charging is simple and often completely free. However, winter brings less daylight and more energy competition between the home’s power needs and charging the LEAF, making consistent charging a challenge and sometimes requiring running a generator.
When home solar is not enough, the local network of public charging stations becomes essential. Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, EVgo, SemaConnect, and Electrify America help track availability and locations. Most of the chargers in Teri's area are Level 2, with one Level 3 station offering a faster, though more expensive, solution.
For off-grid drivers, the suitability of an EV depends on variables like solar capacity, local climate, driving distance, and flexibility. Jeff Droz, a solar off-grid veteran, owns a Ford F-150 Lightning EV and finds it incredibly useful for powering tools, charging his off-grid home batteries, and providing a source of fuel that cannot be mandated by anyone. Charging an EV off-grid can take a while, but it's free and powered by the sun.
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- To optimize sustainable living and reduce dependency on grid power, Teri Page utilizes a battery storage system to store excess solar energy generated from her solar panels during the day, which is then used to charge her Nissan LEAF at night or on cloudy days.
- In the pursuit of a simpler, home-and-garden focused lifestyle, Teri Page's off-grid home employs a Level 2 EV charger, powered by solar energy, to charge her electric vehicle (EV) efficiently and cost-effectively.
- As more people pursue a lifestyle focusing on sustainable living, electric vehicles (EVs) like the Nissan LEAF are becoming an appealing choice, especially for those living off-grid, as they can be charged using solar energy generated on-site.
