Photovoltaic farm and charging stations perfect duo
While not yet widely adopted, the concept of placing electric car charging stations near photovoltaic farms is gaining traction. Solar installation owners are realizing that offering the stored energy to electric vehicle drivers can nicely complement their business model. This arrangement creates a symbiotic relationship, where the energy generated from solar panels can be shared with zero-emission car owners through charging stations, promoting both renewable energy use and sustainable transportation.
The owners of photovoltaic (PV) farms are well aware of the tangible profits these farms can bring. As the shift towards renewable energy and the growth of electromobility gain momentum, interest in such projects is on the rise. Investors are recognizing the potential for enhanced returns on investment and increased profits through innovative strategies. One such strategy is integrating PV farms with direct current (DC) charging stations.
A compelling argument for setting up charging stations near PV farms is that the owners can optimize their profits from selling charging services by utilizing the cheaper solar energy they generate on the farm. Jan Trzeciakowski, the Sales & Marketing Manager at Elocity, underscores that this approach significantly boosts the return on investment (ROI) and expedites the payback period for the EV charging station. Simultaneously, it contributes to higher profits from the PV farm itself. This synergy highlights how combining solar energy generation with EV charging services can yield mutual benefits for investors and the renewable energy landscape as a whole.
Cheaper charging at the station next to the PV farm
Having a charging station near photovoltaic farms offers substantial advantages for owners of zero-emission vehicles as well. By utilizing the Elocity station management software, station owners can adjust their pricing based on solar activity. This innovative approach has been effectively applied, like at the photovoltaic farm owned by Kazbud in Poddubówek near Suwałki.
The results of a pilot implementation have shown that, during sunny months, there’s a growing interest among drivers to charge their cars at photovoltaic farms. This aligns well with the ability for station owners to sell energy at higher rates than the stock exchange, resulting in increased profitability. Jakub Górski, the Business Development Director at Coral—a company specializing in energy management and complex photovoltaic installations—points out that this “more expensive energy” is actually more affordable for electric vehicle users than other commercial charging stations. This approach ultimately benefits all participants in the market, creating a win-win situation for both station owners and EV drivers.
Farther from the road, closer to savings
This solution is gaining appreciation not only from photovoltaic farm owners but also from electric car drivers. Surprisingly, the distance of these farms from main roads isn’t a major obstacle for drivers. What draws them in is the attractive charging prices and the availability of fast DC charging stations. This offer is particularly appealing in tourist regions. As long as a photovoltaic farm with EV charging stations is within 10 km of the main road, both locals and tourists are keen to use them.
Jan Trzeciakowski estimates that, during a sunny season with optimized charging rates, constructing a charging station at a photovoltaic farm can reduce the return on investment period by at least a year compared to traditional locations.
It’s worth noting that the charging station based on Elocity technology is visible within the company’s application, which is already in use by thousands of drivers. Additionally, roaming agreements make these stations accessible to holders of popular fleet cards and applications like Kia Recharge or Shell Recharge, eliminating the need for drivers to download additional apps. This seamless integration enhances the convenience for electric car users.