7 Best Solar Panels To Charge Electric Cars

Last updated on July 12th, 2023 at 09:39 am

Solar energy is fast becoming a popular means of powering electric cars. With so many options on the marketplace, it can be difficult for consumers to decide on the type of solar panel to buy. To help make this decision easier, I’ll discuss 7 of the best solar panels to charge electric cars.

The growing popularity of electric cars has created a need for efficient ways to charge them so that drivers can take full advantage of the benefits they offer. This article will talk about the benefits, what to consider when choosing a solar panel for charging an electric car, and other frequently asked questions on solar panels for charging cars.

Benefits Of Using Solar Panels To Charge An Electric Car

1.     Cost savings

The first benefit is cost savings. The upfront costs associated with installing solar panels and setting up a charging station may be high initially, but they will pay off in the long run when you consider how much money you will save on fuel costs.

2.     Convenience

Another advantage is convenience; once set up correctly, your car can charge itself automatically whenever there’s enough sunlight available, which means less time spent worrying about refueling or running out of gas during long trips away from home.

Here are What To Consider When Choosing A Solar Panel For Charging An Electric Car

i)               Size

It is essential to determine the size of the panel needed to meet your specific power requirements.

The larger the size of the solar panel, the more energy it can produce over time; however, this also means that you may need additional space or mounting hardware to install and use it effectively.

ii)              Brand

You should research the different types of panels available as well as their efficiency. Different technologies, such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline photovoltaic cells, have varying levels of efficiency when converting sunlight into electricity, which could impact how quickly your car can be charged by any given setup.

iii)             Cost

Cost is another factor worth considering due to differences in quality control standards employed during production processes. So make sure you check other brands and their prices. Dive in to see the list of top-rated solar brands for charging your electric vehicle.

11 Best Solar Panels To Charge Electric Cars

1. ACOPOWER® 120W Portable Solar Panel Kits.

ACOPOWER® 120W Portable Solar Panel Kits are one of the best solar panels to charge electric cars. This 12V foldable solar panel comes with its 10A charge controller in a convenient suitcase design, making it easy to transport and set up wherever you need it. This compact solar panel was engineered with portability and efficiency in mind. 

One of the greatest advantages of this kit is its portability. At only 8.4 lbs, you can take it with you wherever life takes you with its handle design and pocket for accessories. Setup is even simpler thanks to convenient rear stands that take just one minute to set up with velcro fasteners.

But it’s not just portability that sets this kit apart; the monocrystalline cells used in it come from the highest conversion efficiency module provider in the world, increasing conversion efficiency up to 25%. That means you can charge your 12V batteries quickly and efficiently no matter where you are or what time of day it is – no matter where you are!

This kit includes a portable solar panel suitcase, 10A LCD charge controller, removable MC-4 connector cables, and alligator clamps cables, as well as an instruction manual. The charge controller is user-friendly and guarantees your batteries are charging efficiently and safely. Plus if you own an ACOPOWER generator, you can even bypass the charge controller by disconnecting its MC-4 connections and connecting directly to your generator!

ACOPOWER(r) also offers a 100% money-back guarantee, and their customer service and technical support are based in California, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re investing in a high-quality product with top-notch customer support.

This ACOPOWER® 120W Portable Solar Panel Kit is Available here.

2. Upgraded 7.5W & 12V Portable Waterproof Solar Panel Trickle Charger

This charger makes an excellent investment for anyone wanting to keep their car battery charged and in good condition and is my second, best solar panels to charge electric cars and bikes.

One of the key features of this charger is its upgraded intelligent charger controller. This controller features internal protection systems and smart fast-charging technology for high conversion and stable output. It generates at least 25%-30% more power than other brand solar panels, even on cloudy days – so you can charge your car battery quickly and efficiently no matter what the weather outside looks like!

Another excellent feature of this solar car battery trickle charger is its comprehensive battery protection. An in-built blocking diode structure guarantees zero reverse discharge, overcharge, overvoltage, or short circuit. Plus, LED charging indicators let you easily check if your solar battery charger is functioning optimally and keeping your battery charged.

The charger is constructed to last. It uses high-transparency glass that’s impact and wind-snow resistant with low iron tempered, while its sturdy ABS frame makes the solar panel more durable than others. Plus, its smooth surface won’t scratch your vehicle, and its waterproof status means you don’t have to worry about additional maintenance either. With all these features combined, this solar car battery trickle charger promises long life and reliable performance for years to come.

Installing and using the solar car battery trickle charger is a cinch. Insert it into your vehicle’s power outlet or connect the solar panel directly with alligator clips, making this charger/maintainer ideal for cars, LiFePO4, Lithium Ion batteries, motorcycles, boats, tractors, ATVs, farm equipment, and 12V batteries alike.

This premium solar battery charger has been certified CE/ROHS compliant and has a free 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support! 

Overall, the Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger is an excellent investment for those seeking to keep their car battery charged and in optimal condition. Its intelligent charger controller, comprehensive battery protection, and durable construction make it a top choice among car owners.

This solar charger is available here.

3. ECO-WORTHY 10W Solar Car Battery Charger

The ECO-WORTHY 10W Solar Car Battery Charger is waterproof, so it can be used in any weather condition without the worry of damage and has an adjustable angle that allows you to find the best angle for maximum sun exposure, allowing it to charge faster and more efficiently.

The ECO-WORTHY 10W Solar Car Battery Charger is essential for keeping your vehicle, e-bike, or boat battery charged during extended periods of inactivity. Its monocrystalline solar panel uses trickle charging technology that prevents overcharging, while an integrated blocking diode prevents reverse charging without needing extra work at night. Even on cloudy days, this solar charger will still work to keep your battery topped off.

One of the greatest advantages of this charger is how effortless installation is. Plug your cigarette lighter into the port or connect the battery terminal posts with an alligator clip, and the connection will be complete in three minutes! It works great on a variety of vehicles such as cars, trucks, boats, lawnmowers, motorcycles, trailers, dump trailers, tractors, RVs, vans, campers ATVs, utility vehicles, and more – everything works!

ECO-WORTHY solar charger has undergone an upgrade that includes reverse and overcharge protections. While testing the open circuit voltage may not be possible, the panel continues to function normally, keeping your battery charged and safe. An indicator light on the back of the panel allows you to monitor charging progress, while its waterproof nature means you can safely use it outdoors as well.

ECO-WORTHY provides a one-year warranty on this solar car battery charger, and their customer service team is available to answer any queries. In conclusion, the ECO-WORTHY 10W Solar Car Battery Charger is an ideal investment for those who want to keep their vehicle or boat battery charged and protected without having to spend money on frequent maintenance or having someone start it periodically.

This ECO-WORTHY 10W Solar Car Battery Charger is Available here and  priced at  $76.97

4. OYMSAE 20W 12V Solar Panel Car Battery Charger Portable

This solar charger is coming on as number 4 on this my Best Solar Panels To Charge Electric Cars, but it is just because of the price going a little over $100. Otherwise, it would be on the top.

The solar panel charges the battery quickly while also providing trickle charging to maintain optimal levels of charge in your batteries.

If you’re searching for an efficient, quick, and user-friendly solar charger for your car battery, the OYMSAE 20W 12V Solar Panel is a great option. Its clear charge visualization feature lets you know when your battery is charging – with blue light indicating when in direct sunlight, red light showing when it finished charging, and green light showing when all is well. Plus, if any short circuit occurs, all three indicators will illuminate simultaneously to alert you that something may not be functioning correctly.

The built-in charging microprocessor and enhanced charging algorithm offer overvoltage protection, overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and other intelligent safeguards to guarantee your battery stays secure during charging. Also, it prevents reverse charging, so 12V batteries can safely be charged and maintained using this same microprocessor.

The solar panel also boasts a higher conversion rate due to its regular convex points of surface distribution that encourage secondary propagation of light, absorbing more radiant heat from solar energy and thus improving photoelectric conversion efficiency.

This 3-piece SAE cable kit is plug-and-play, making it simple to use for cars and 12V batteries. The panel comes complete with a carabiner and suction cup to meet all installation needs – perfect for automobiles, RVs, motorcycles, ships, snowmobiles – you name it!

Finally, the PET material is waterproof and dustproof, with an added layer of the epoxy board as a bottom plate to increase strength and longevity.

The OYMSAE 20W 12V Solar Panel is Available here. Currently priced at $109.97

5. SOLPERK Solar Panel Kit 20W 12V, Solar Battery Trickle Charger

The SOLPERK Solar Panel Kit 20W 12V is an impressive solar panel designed to charge and maintain 12V rechargeable batteries such as LiFePO4, Lithium Ion, AGM, SLA, GEL, EFB, MF and more. Featuring a monocrystalline A+ solar cell with an impressive efficiency rate of 21%-30%, you can rest assured knowing this device will efficiently charge and maintain your batteries.

This solar panel is built to last with its low-iron tempered glass surface and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. It is 100% waterproof and rustproof, with an extended lifespan of up to 25 years. Designed to withstand all weather conditions, such as sandstorms, strong winds, thunderstorms, blizzards, and hail – the panel can withstand up to 2400Pa wind pressure and 5400Pa snow load pressure.

This upgraded 8A controller of this solar panel kit boasts a charging efficiency that is 20%-30% higher than other controllers on the market. Its intelligent three-stage charging design prevents batteries from overcharging, overvoltage, or short circuits. Plus, it draws no power from your battery while two indicator lights on the controller provide you with information regarding the battery charge status.

This solar panel kit is easy to install with its 360-degree adjustable mounting bracket, ensuring the panel always faces the sun correctly. Screw in the bracket onto the solar panel with predrilled mounting holes and necessary screws – all cable connections are plug-and-play!

The SOLPERK Solar Panel Kit 20W 12V includes one solar panel, charger controller, mounting bracket, alligator clip, O-rings, and set of mounting pieces. Plus, it comes with a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support from the manufacturer; plus, they provide 7×24 hours after-sales service to guarantee all questions are answered within one day.

This SOLPERK Solar Panel is Available here Currently priced at $81.96

6. Topsolar 20 Watt 12 Volt Solar Trickle Charger

This Topsolar 20 Watt 12 Volt Solar Trickle Charger is a great way to charge your Electric car battery and maintain its life. This charger is easy to use and comes with both a cigarette lighter plug and alligator clips, allowing you to easily attach it directly to the battery of your vehicle or another device.

The Topsolar 20 Watt 12 Volt Solar Trickle Charger is a lightweight and reliable solar panel designed for long-term use. It comes with an impressive 2.1mm x 5.5mm DC plug with an extension cord, making plugging it in simple. Plus, at just 1.04 pounds weight, the panel is waterproof everywhere and lightweight – ideal for carrying around.

The panel is equipped with an excellent safety circuit built into the junction box, which can protect your battery from overcharging and reverse charging, as well as the prompt reverse connection of the circuit (when the red light is on).

Solar battery chargers and maintainers such as this one can safely maintain 12v batteries, such as wet, gel, SLA, EFB, AGM, and deep cycle batteries. It’s suitable for any car, motorcycle, truck, boat, tractor RV, snowmobile, and truck model – the list is endless!

The solar panel comes with a 12-month free warranty and lifetime technical support, guaranteeing customers access to quality assurance if any quality issues arise within those first 12 months. 

This solar panel charger  is Available here and currently priced at $47.77

7. ALLPOWERS 18V 12V 5W Portable Solar Panel Battery Charger

This solar panel charger and maintainer has an impressive range of features that make it ideal for use both at home and on the road. The first feature is its ability to charge up two different battery types—12-volt DC or 18-volt AC—with just one unit.

The ALLPOWERS 18V 12V 5W Portable Solar Panel Battery Charger is actually small and portable and designed to charge 12V batteries with the sun’s energy slowly. Here are some of its features:

Solar Panel: Made of mono-crystalline silicon, the panel generates up to 5 watts of energy in all daylight conditions and is weatherproof (though not completely waterproof). It can work under all lighting conditions and is weatherproof but not completely waterproof.

Battery Compatibility: This solar panel can charge and maintain the charge of 12V batteries in cars, motorcycles, tractors, boats, and more.

Convenient built-in blocking diode: This charger features an integrated blocking diode that prevents reverse discharge, not only prolonging battery life but also increasing usage time.

Accessories: This package includes a cigarette lighter plug, clip line, suction cups and an instruction manual. Plus, it comes with an 18-month warranty and friendly customer service support.

Compatibility: It is essential to note that this product is designed for use in the US and may need an adapter or converter when used elsewhere with different outlets and voltages.

Overall, the ALLPOWERS 18V 12V 5W Portable Solar Panel Battery Charger offers an efficient and convenient way to charge and maintain 12V batteries using solar energy.

This  ALLPOWERS charger is Available here and priced at $58.97

FAQ:

Can I Charge My Car With Solar Panels?

Yes, it is now possible for most vehicles to be charged using solar energy. The process involves installing photovoltaic cells onto the roof of your car, which will then convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be stored in batteries or directly sent through wires connected from the cells into your car’s electrical system.

How Many Solar Panels To Charge An Electric Car

It takes up to 5 and 12 solar panels to charge an EV, depending on these variables. For example, if you live in a sunny area where there are 8 hours or more of peak sunlight each day, then fewer than 5 would be enough, but if you live in a cooler region with less sunlight, then up to 12 might be necessary for reliable charging performance.

How Long Would It Take To Charge An Electric Car With A Solar Panel?

The amount of time needed depends on many factors, such as the size of the vehicle’s battery pack, its condition (new or used), the climate condition (sunny or cloudy), the type and size of photovoltaic panels used, and the number and quality of batteries connected.

Generally, though, most EV owners will need anywhere from 6–8 hours under ideal conditions using standard PV modules rated at 100 W per square meter surface area exposed directly to sunlight.

Portable Solar Panels To Charge An Electric Car

The first step is to install the Bluetti solar generator with its integrated photovoltaic panels. This will allow you to charge up your EV’s battery system using either AC or DC, depending on what type of charger you have installed in your car.

Best Time To Charge EV With Solar Panels

The most effective time for charging an EV with solar power is during peak sunlight hours in the middle of the day when no clouds are blocking out direct sunlight from reaching your home’s rooftop photovoltaic system (PV).

This means that you should aim for around midday when possible—usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., depending on where you live.

How Many Solar Panels Would It Take To Charge An Electric Car?

Normally, it will take up to 5 solar panels to charge an EV. Although other factors would determine if you require more than five solar panels,

What Is The Best EV Charger For Solar Panels?

Any solar panel that can charge your electric vehicle and still keeps it charged for a reasonable amount of time is worthy of being named among the “best”. However, if you’re to go by user ratings, then ACOPOWER® 120W Portable Solar Panel Kits, 12V Foldable Solar Panel with 10A Charge Controller in Suitcase takes the lead.

Conclusion

Selecting a good quality solar panel system specifically designed for use with electric vehicles is essential if one wishes their EV’s batteries to get charged efficiently. Before making any decision, buyers should consider all factors, such as location, weather conditions, budget, and so on. I hope you find the Best Solar Panels To Charge Electric Cars from this list.

References

• https://driveclean.ca.gov/electric-car-charging#
• https://octopusev.com/ev-hub/charging-electric-cars-
• https://www.thehealthyjournal.com/faq/how
• https://www.bluettipower.com/blogs/news/
• https://www.plicoenergy.com.au/blog/can-you

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