Estimate the vehicle’s new electricity demand
Start with expected annual miles and the vehicle’s efficiency in kilowatt-hours per mile. Account for charging losses and any seasonal change in driving. If you already charge at home, add the charger’s measured use to twelve months of household electricity data. If the vehicle is new, ask the solar designer to show the EV estimate separately so you can revise it later.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s home EV-charging guide explains that Level 1 charging can meet many drivers’ overnight needs while Level 2 uses a 240-volt circuit for faster charging. The right choice depends on daily driving and available charging time, not simply on buying the fastest equipment.
Check the electrical system before choosing a charger
Have a qualified professional evaluate service capacity, panel space, wiring route, charger rating, dedicated circuit, and any load-management options. A solar array does not eliminate the need for a properly designed charging circuit. Ask whether future equipment—another EV, heat pump, induction range, or battery—should be included in the load plan now.
Size solar from annual use and roof-specific production
Combine recent IPL consumption with the estimated EV load, then compare that total with a roof-specific production model. Shade, roof direction, pitch, usable area, module choice, and system losses all affect output. Our Independence solar sizing guide explains why panel count alone is not a dependable comparison.
DOE’s step-by-step consumer solar guide recommends including future electricity needs such as an EV when planning a system. Ask for both a current-load design and a future-load scenario when the vehicle has not yet arrived.
Understand when charging and solar production occur
Panels usually produce most during daylight, while many drivers plug in after work. The home, charger, solar system, and utility grid operate together; electricity is not reserved for one appliance. Review IPL’s current net-metering and interconnection requirements, then ask the installer to model household consumption, daytime charging opportunities, exports, and utility billing without guaranteeing savings.
Keep outage charging claims realistic
Ordinary grid-tied solar panels shut down during a utility outage and will not keep an EV charger running. Backup charging requires compatible storage, a backup-capable inverter, approved isolation or islanding equipment, sufficient output, and a system specifically designed to support the charger. Even then, an EV can consume far more energy than essential household circuits. Decide whether outage charging is truly a priority before paying for that capability.
Compare one coordinated scope of work
Request a proposal that identifies the solar array, estimated annual production, EV load assumption, charger circuit, service or panel work, permits, IPL interconnection, monitoring, warranties, and complete price. Use the Independence permit and IPL guide to confirm the approval sequence. A coordinated plan can also show which work belongs to the solar installer and which requires another licensed trade.