Green Wheels and Bright Skies: The EV-PV Connection Unveiled

• Discover the connection between electric vehicle ownership and solar panel adoption in this insightful study. Find out how EV owners are more likely to invest in photovoltaics and the role of social influence in technology adoption.

A new analysis of a behavioral study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has found a connection between electric vehicle (EV) ownership and the addition of solar panels to homes. The study, based on a survey of 869 households in the San Francisco Bay Area, revealed that EV owners are more likely to invest in photovoltaics (PVs) because solar panels can offset the energy bill needed to charge EVs at home. However, the impact of owning solar panels on EV ownership was not as strong. The study suggests that the complementary nature of EVs and PVs could play a role in energy systems resiliency and grid stability.

The survey also found a correlation between EV ownership and PV ownership, with 25% of EV owners also owning a PV system compared to only 8% of non-EV owners. The researchers noted that awareness and social influence, such as having friends or family members who own PVs or EVs, played a significant role in the adoption of these technologies. The study suggests that policies should be implemented to jointly accelerate the acceptance of EVs and PVs, as EV owners are already inclined to use solar technology.

While the survey provided valuable insights, the researchers emphasized the need for more holistic surveys to understand the evolving relationship between transportation and residential energy use and to identify pathways to decarbonize energy use across sectors.

Does owning an electric vehicle increase the likelihood of investing in solar panels?

• The study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found a connection between owning an electric vehicle (EV) and investing in solar panels for homes.
• EV owners are more likely to invest in photovoltaics (PVs) because solar panels can offset the energy bill needed to charge EVs at home.
• The study revealed that 25% of EV owners also own a PV system, compared to only 8% of non-EV owners.
• Awareness and social influence, such as having friends or family members who own PVs or EVs, played a significant role in the adoption of these technologies.
• The complementary nature of EVs and PVs could contribute to energy systems resiliency and grid stability.
• Policies should be implemented to jointly accelerate the acceptance of EVs and PVs, as EV owners are already inclined to use solar technology.
• More holistic surveys are needed to understand the evolving relationship between transportation and residential energy use and to identify pathways to decarbonize energy use across sectors.