Cost to Charge a Tesla Model 3 with Solar vs. SoCal Edison: A Comparison

With a collective number of electric vehicles (EVs) like the Tesla Model 3, many automotive owners seek sustainable and money-making thoughts to power their automobiles. One of the most sensational promises is solar energy powering an electric car. Tesla owners may significantly decrease their charging costs while also helping the environment by capturing the sun‘s power. But how much solar electricity is needed to power a Tesla Model 3, and how does this contrast to the costs of applying an ordinary utility provider such as SoCal Edison?

In this article, we‘ll examine how much solar to charge a Tesla Model 3 concluded solar power vs energy from SoCal Edison, helping you to make a smooth choice about your EV charging setup.

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How Much Solar Power Is Required to Charge a Tesla Model 3?

Before calculating, let‘s identify how much solar a Tesla Model 3 can charge. Your exact quantity will vary according to your location, energy consumption, and driving patterns, but we can calculate the overall necessities.

Tesla Model 3: Energy Consumption
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the maximum well-organized rechargeable cars available, requiring around 24 kWh every 100 miles traveled. This means that for every 100 miles of energy, your Tesla will use 24 kilowatt-hours of power everywhere.

Step 1: Estimate Your Monthly Driving Needs
Suppose you drive a standard of 1,000 miles each month. At 24 kWh every 100 miles, you would need almost 240 kWh of energy monthly to charge your Tesla Model 3.

Step 2: How Much Solar Power Do You Need?
Let‘s estimate how much renewable energy you‘d need to create 240 kWh individually monthly. The amount of solar energy necessary will be affected by your locality‘s hours of sunlight and the competence of your solar panels.

During peak sunlight hours in an exposed region like Southern California, an average solar panel produces around 300 watts per panel. Considering 5 hours of sunlight daily, each panel could produce around 1.5 kWh (300 watts x 5 hours).

To create 240 kWh per month (or 8 kWh per day), you must install about 5-6 solar panels in your home. This may accomplish your basic energetic needs and power your Tesla Model 3 without relying on the grid.

Cost Comparison: Charging Your Tesla Model 3 with Solar vs. SoCal Edison
Here‘s a simple detail that relates the cost of charging a Tesla Model 3 to consume solar against SoCal Edison. This total breaks out the vital cost modules, showing how much it would cost to charge your Tesla Model 3 in both circumstances over a year.

Cost Component

Charging with Solar

Charging with SoCal Edison

Solar System Installation Cost

$15,000 - $25,000 (one-time)

N/A (You rely on grid power, no installation cost)

Monthly Charging Cost

$0 (after solar system is installed, no electricity bill)

$52.80 (240 kWh x $0.22 per kWh)

Annual Charging Cost

$0 (ongoing, except maintenance)

$633.60 ($52.80 x 12 months)

Cost per kWh

$0 (once the system is paid off)

$0.22 per kWh (average residential rate)

Maintenance Costs

Typically low (solar panel cleaning, inverter maintenance)

N/A

Carbon Footprint

Low (clean, renewable energy)

High (depends on energy mix from SoCal Edison)

Cost Component

Charging with Solar

Charging with SoCal Edison

Breakdown:

Charging by solar: The initial cost of adding solar energy systems is costly, but you will recover it in the long term by not needing to pay for strength each month. The only ongoing costs would be for rare maintenance and updating of the system, which is relatively cheap. Once the system is paid off, charging your Tesla Model 3 is free, making it a more environmentally conscious and cost-effective alternative in the long run.
Charging with SoCal Edison: While there is no initial fee for installation, you will be billed for strength regularly. For a Tesla Model 3, at an average rate of $0.22 per kWh, your monthly charging cost would be roughly $52.80, or $633.60 per year.

How much does it cost to fuel a gasoline-powered vehicle?

Gas prices vary extensively based on your region; Hawaii and California have nearly the most expensive costs, while Texas has some of the lowest. In addition, the cost of encouraging a gas-powered vehicle is affected by the size of the gas tank and the kind of fuel used. If your car is less proficient (which encourages fewer miles per gallon of petrol), you will also pay more for gas overall. We‘ll go over how much it costs to fuel a tiny vehicle, premiums midsize car, midsize SUV, and compact SUV in 2023.

Key Takeaways: Solar vs SoCal Edison

Cost of charging using solar: Once your solar system‘s unique installation is paid for, your Tesla charging costs may be nearly $0. The only recurrent expenditures are upkeep and potential upgrades to the system, making it the most environmentally conscious and cost-effective alternative over time.

Charging your Tesla Model 3 with SoCal Edison‘s Grid power will cost approximately $52.80 per month (or $633.60 per year), according to standard residential electricity rates.

Environmental Benefits: Using solar energy lowers your environmental impact substantially. When you drive a Tesla Model 3 powered by pristine, green energy, you save money and contribute to cleaning up the environment.
Flexibility and Energy Independence: Solar charging allows you to implement more influence over your power consumption, mainly if you live in a location with changeable grid power or wish to lessen your dependency on traditional utilities.

Do I still require a battery if I charge my Tesla with solar panels?

No, you don‘t need a battery to charge your Tesla with solar panels. If you have contact with the grid, you can use the energy advanced all day to charge your vehicle with any additional power sent back into the grid. A battery will be looked for if you wish to go off-grid or store surplus energy for nocturnal use.

To completely charge your Tesla Model 3 with solar energy, you will need around 5-6 solar panels, depending on your location and energy requirements. Although the initial solar installation cost might be significant, the long-term savings on your power bill and environmental advantages make it an intelligent decision.

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Finally, charging your Tesla utilizing solar power provides more energy autonomy, significant long-term financial savings, and a beneficial environmental effect compared to using SoCal Edison or another conventional power supplier.

If you‘re thinking about going solar, you must consider your energy calls for available roof space and the first expenses of installation. Once your system is in place, the advantages may be significant regarding cost savings and environmental effects.