Solar for EV Charging: Size Your System for Tesla & Electric Vehicles

kWh per mile math

A Tesla Model Y uses roughly 0.24 kWh/mile. Driving 12,000 miles/year needs ~2,900 kWh—about 25% of many OC homes' usage. Add that to baseline load when sizing.

Panel count for daily driving

High-output modules mean fewer panels to cover commute charging. Example: eight 710W panels can produce 12+ kWh on a good summer day—enough for ~50 miles of driving.

TOU charging strategy

Charge during solar hours when possible. If you charge at night, you buy expensive grid power unless storage shifts energy.

Powerwall for peak shaving

Storage helps evening EV charging but compare $/kWh against adding panels. Read EV vs gas cost comparison.

Size your system: solar calculator or free solar quote.