Using an EV as a battery in a solar power system
Discussion
Does anyone have any experience of using an EV to replace fixed batteries in a solar power system? My pipe dream is to use a Tesla Model S as a replacement for fixed batteries in a theoretical PV setup of say 22 panels. Can a Model S be doctored to deliver power back to the house after harvesting energy from the panels / cheap rate grid electricity?
muchacho said:
Does anyone have any experience of using an EV to replace fixed batteries in a solar power system? My pipe dream is to use a Tesla Model S as a replacement for fixed batteries in a theoretical PV setup of say 22 panels. Can a Model S be doctored to deliver power back to the house after harvesting energy from the panels / cheap rate grid electricity?
No, it would need hardware and software upgrading to provide V2G (vehicle to grid) or V2H (home)I think the Nissan Leaf supports it, with a specific charger https://www.indra.co.uk/v2h/ for trials only.
People used to get excited about this, back when Vauxhall EVs were cheaper per kWh than Tesla power walls.
I don't think there is much point now, you can buy brand new LFP batteries for £200 per kWh or less.
Obviously you need some conversion and control hardware, the costs soon rack up like with any other project.
I don't personally know anyone who charges an EV from solar except incidentally? Sorry if that's a bit of a tangent!
I know lots of people with solar and battereies and inverters on boats and camper vans, there is tons of info on the web, but things change over time and many people have been doing this for 15+ years now.
Everybody has their own set of goals and circumstances, along with beliefs about future electricity prices and the like!
So you can't really assume other people's favoured solutions are right for you.
A few people have found a bit of V2L capability has been useful in powercuts, all good stuff, but IMHO not in itself a justification for spending lots on an EV.
I don't think there is much point now, you can buy brand new LFP batteries for £200 per kWh or less.
Obviously you need some conversion and control hardware, the costs soon rack up like with any other project.
I don't personally know anyone who charges an EV from solar except incidentally? Sorry if that's a bit of a tangent!
I know lots of people with solar and battereies and inverters on boats and camper vans, there is tons of info on the web, but things change over time and many people have been doing this for 15+ years now.
Everybody has their own set of goals and circumstances, along with beliefs about future electricity prices and the like!
So you can't really assume other people's favoured solutions are right for you.
A few people have found a bit of V2L capability has been useful in powercuts, all good stuff, but IMHO not in itself a justification for spending lots on an EV.
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