Procurement uide to Electric Vehicle Solar Charging Stations

• Calculate Daily and Monthly Energy Consumption:Understand your electric vehicle’s average daily and monthly mileage, and the corresponding energy consumption. For instance, if your EV consumes 16 kWh per 100 km and travels 50 km daily, your daily energy requirement would be:

  Edaily = 50 km / 100 km × 16 kWh = 8 kWh

  Monthly energy needs would be:

  Emonthly = 8 kWh/day × 30 days = 240 kWh

• Choose Appropriate Solar Panel Power:Select solar panel power based on local sunlight duration. If your area’s average sunlight duration is 6 hours, the required solar panel power would be:

  Ppanel = Edaily / (Tsun × ηpanel)

  (where Tsun is sunlight hours and ηpanel is panel efficiency, typically 0.15):

  Ppanel = 8 kWh / (6 hours × 0.15) ≈ 8.89 kW

  Approximately 60 square meters of solar panels would be needed to meet the 8.89 kW energy demand.

• Cost of Solar Panels:Monocrystalline solar panels are typically more efficient but more expensive. Prices are around 2 RMB per watt for monocrystalline and 1.5 RMB for polycrystalline panels.Total cost for installing 60 square meters of monocrystalline panels would be:

  Costmonocrystalline = 8400 W × 2 RMB/W = 16800 RMB

  For polycrystalline panels:

  Costpolycrystalline = 7200 W × 1.5 RMB/W = 10800 RMB

• Charging Station Price:7kW AC charging stations typically range from 3000 to 5000 RMB. For example, a Star Charging 01 Plus station costs about 4000 RMB. Meanwhile, 11kW and higher DC stations range from 6000 to 10000 RMB, such as Tesla’s factory DC charger at about 7000 RMB.
• Installation Costs:Installation costs include cables, mounts, inverter, etc. The total installation cost for 60 square meters of solar panels and a 7kW charging station is about 3000 RMB.

• Monocrystalline Solar Panels:High efficiency and aesthetics but generally higher price. Suitable for users with high energy and aesthetic requirements.Monocrystalline panels can achieve over 20% efficiency.23
• Polycrystalline Solar Panels:Lower price but slightly lower efficiency; ideal for cost-sensitive users.Efficiency for polycrystalline panels is around 17%.

• CQC Certification:Mandatory in China, ensures product safety and reliability. For example, the Star Charging 01 Plus station has CQC certification.
• CE Certification:European market entry certification to meet safety standards. For example, charging stations from ChargePoint, Germany, have CE certification.
• UL Certification:Market entry certification for the U.S., ensuring compliance with safety standards, like Blink charging stations.

• Features:Smart controls, remote monitoring, and multiple charging options are vital. For instance, the Star Charging 01 Plus includes an intelligent chip supporting various charging methods.26
• Safety:Look for stations with protections against overheating, overcurrent, leakage, and automated power-off features post-charging to avoid overcharging.
• Station safety is enhanced with features like anti-theft measures.

• Property Support:Communicate with your property management to confirm if installing a solar charging station is permitted. If denied, explore legal or alternative solutions.526
• Utilities Application:Request an independent electricity meter to use the national grid instead of community or home power, which may accompany station purchases.226
• Distance and Cable Costs:Estimate the distance from the meter to the parking space and choose an appropriate brand to minimize installation and cable expenses. Position the meter close to charge locations.

Off-Grid Solar Charging Stations

• Independent Operation: Off-grid solar charging stations operate entirely on solar panels and storage batteries without relying on the grid. For example, Sun Mobility in India has installed off-grid solar charging stations in remote areas to charge electric vehicles using solar energy.
• Energy Storage Systems: Equipped with high-capacity batteries that store electricity generated by solar panels during the day, enabling charging at night or on cloudy days. For instance, a 16 square meter solar panel can produce an average of 12kWh per day, sufficient for an EV to travel 72 kilometers.
• Emergency Charging: Off-grid stations can still provide emergency charging services using battery backups during lack of sunlight to ensure users can charge in emergencies. For example, Gridless in South Africa has installed off-grid solar charging stations in desert areas, ensuring servicing even in extreme weather.

Grid-Connected Solar Charging Stations

• Grid Assistance: Grid-connected solar charging stations can tap into the power grid in areas with coverage, allowing users to charge using city electricity when solar energy is insufficient. For example, ChargePoint has installed grid-connected solar charging stations in multiple cities in the USA, using grid power when solar energy falls short.
• Bidirectional Energy Flow: Grid-connected stations have dual external power inputs. The front power input returns excess energy back to the charging station’s battery or the grid, while the rear input serves to charge from external power when internal battery energy is low. For example, TELD’s grid-connected charging stations can return surplus solar energy to the grid for financial benefits.
• Economic Benefits: Users can charge during off-peak hours and return energy to the grid during peak hours for economic returns. This mode enhances energy utilization and reduces charging costs for users. For instance, ABB’s grid-connected charging stations allow users to charge overnight and send excess power back to the grid during the day, earning subsidies.

Hybrid Off-Grid and Grid-Connected Solar Charging Stations

• Flexible Switching: These charging stations can switch flexibly between off-grid and grid-connected modes, allowing users to choose the most suitable charging method based on actual needs. For instance, NARI Group in China developed ChaoJi stations that switch to off-grid mode when solar energy is abundant and reverts to grid mode when solar energy is limited.
• Maximizing Energy Utilization: By combining the advantages of off-grid and grid-connected operations, these stations can maximize solar resource utilization while ensuring a stable power source when sunlight is insufficient. For example, Better Place has installed hybrid solar charging stations in multiple cities in Israel, effectively utilizing solar resources to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
• Intelligent Management: Using IoT technology for remote monitoring and management of charging stations improves operational efficiency. For instance, TELD’s charging stations in China can exchange data with control centers via 4G networks for real-time operational status updates, ensuring safe and stable charging processes.

Input Capacity of a Single Charging Station

S_input = P / (η * cos(φ))
Where P is the output power of the charging station (kW), η is the efficiency (typically 0.95), and cos(φ) is the power factor (typically 0.95).

Total Calculation Capacity of the Charging Station

S_total = K * Σ (P_i / (η_i * cos(φ_i)))
Where S_total is the total calculation capacity of the charging station (kVA), K is the simultaneous coefficient (typically 0.9), P_i is the output power of the i^th charging station (kW), η_i is the efficiency of the i^th charging station (typically 0.95), and cos(φ_i) is the power factor of the i^th charging station (typically 0.95).

Solar Charging Station Charging Time

t = E / P
Where t is the charging time (hours), E is the battery capacity (kWh), and P is the output power of the charging station (kW).

Solar Charging Station Energy Utilization Rate

η = E_out / E_in
Where η is the energy utilization rate, E_out is the output energy (kWh), and E_in is the input energy (kWh).

Private Charging Stations

• Home Garages: Installed in home garages, providing convenient charging services for vehicle owners. For example, Tesla’s home charging station offers 11kW of charging power, suitable for overnight charging.
• Community Parking Lots: Installed in community parking lots, providing charging services to residents. For instance, TELD installed AC charging stations in several residential communities to meet daily charging needs.

Public Charging Stations

• Main Roads in Cities: Installed on major streets and commercial areas to provide quick charging services to the public. For example, Blink has installed multiple DC charging stations along major roads in Los Angeles to meet fast-charging needs.
• Public Parking Lots: Installed in public parking lots to offer convenient charging. For example, ChargePoint has equipped several public parking lots in Berlin with charging stations, enhancing charging accessibility in the city.

Highway Charging Stations

• Service Areas: Charging stations set up in highway service areas to provide charging services for long-distance EVs. For example, NARI Group established ChaoJi charging stations at the Sicu Section of the Jinghu Expressway, charging a 60kWh EV in just 10 minutes.
• Charging Network: Building a nationwide charging network that ensures electric vehicles can charge anytime during long-distance travel. For instance, Tesla has established a Supercharger network worldwide, covering multiple countries and regions.

Tourist Areas and Mountains

• Utilizing Sunlight: Installing solar charging stations in sunny tourist areas and mountains to provide eco-friendly charging services. For example, the State Grid in China has installed multiple solar charging stations in Huangshan Scenic Area, using solar energy to charge visitors’ EVs.
• Remote Monitoring: Utilizing IoT technology for remote monitoring to ensure normal operation of charging stations. For example, Better Place installed solar charging stations in remote areas of Israel and uses remote monitoring systems to ensure stable operations.

Communities and Parks

• Multi-Functional Charging Stations: Installing multi-functional charging stations in public places such as communities and park squares, providing charging services while also serving as rest areas. For example, TELD has installed multifunctional charging stations that combine charging and relaxation areas in several Chinese communities.
• Smart Management: Implementing intelligent management systems for efficient management and maintenance of charging stations. For example, Fastned in the Netherlands has installed smart charging stations in multiple park squares, optimizing charging efficiency through management systems.

Wireless Charging Stations

• Wireless Transmission: Streamlining the charging process through wireless power transmission, enhancing user experience. For example, WiTricity in the USA developed wireless charging technology, allowing users to charge their EVs simply by parking in the designated area.
• Safety and Convenience: Wireless charging stations eliminate the risk of electric shock, enhancing charging safety and convenience. For example, the first wireless charging pile at Hangzhou Asian Games Village avoids electric shock risks and improves charging efficiency.

Tesla Supercharging Network

• Background: Tesla has established a worldwide supercharging network covering multiple countries and regions.
• Characteristics: Tesla’s supercharging stations deliver charging power of up to 250kW, enabling rapid charging. For example, charging a Model S with a 60kWh battery takes only 10 minutes.
• Application: Tesla’s supercharging stations are widely located in highway service areas and urban commercial districts, providing convenient charging services for Tesla owners.

ChargePoint’s Public Charging Stations

• Background: ChargePoint is the largest operator of electric vehicle charging networks in the USA.
• Characteristics: ChargePoint’s charging stations feature remote monitoring, intelligent management, and multiple charging interfaces to ensure safe and efficient charging.
• Application: ChargePoint’s stations are widely distributed in public parking lots and major roads in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, providing fast charging services to the public.

Better Place’s Solar Charging Stations

• Background: Better Place is an Israeli provider of electric vehicle charging solutions.
• Characteristics: Better Place’s solar charging stations utilize solar energy, reducing reliance on the power grid. The stations are equipped with remote monitoring systems to ensure stable operation.
• Application: Better Place’s solar charging stations are widely used in Israeli tourist attractions and remote areas, providing eco-friendly charging services for tourists and residents.

Gridless’s Off-Grid Solar Charging Stations

• Background: Gridless is a South African energy solutions provider.
• Characteristics: Gridless’s off-grid solar charging stations run entirely on solar energy and batteries, suitable for areas without grid coverage.
• Application: Gridless’s stations are extensively deployed in South Africa’s desert regions, ensuring charging services under extreme weather conditions.

NARI Group’s ChaoJi Charging Stations

• Background: NARI Group is a research and development unit directly under the State Grid Corporation of China.
• Characteristics: ChaoJi charging stations use advanced charging technology for rapid charging and high efficiency; for example, it can charge a 60kWh EV in just 10 minutes.
• Application: ChaoJi stations are deployed in China’s highway service areas, providing quick charging for long-distance electric travelers.

TELD’s Multi-Functional Charging Stations

• Background: TELD is a leading provider of electric vehicle charging solutions in China.
• Characteristics: TELD’s multi-functional charging stations offer not only charging services but also serve as rest areas, equipped with multiple safety features ensuring user safety.
• Application: TELD’s multi-functional stations are extensively applied in communities, parks, and other public spaces in China, enhancing user charging experiences.