Charging sites have large, flat roofs and canopies, and India has abundant sunshine. Adding solar panels, and sometimes battery storage, to a charging site can lower energy costs, reduce the grid connection needed and support charging during outages.
What solar adds
- Cheaper daytime energy: solar generation offsets energy bought from the grid during the day.
- A natural fit with daytime charging: workplaces, malls and fleets charging midday use solar directly.
- Cleaner charging: a visible commitment to renewable energy.
A canopy over charging bays can carry solar panels while giving drivers shade and rain protection.
What battery storage adds
- Peak shaving: the battery supplies bursts of power for fast charging, so the grid connection sees a lower peak.
- Time shifting: store cheap solar or off-peak energy and use it in the evening peak.
- Fast charging on a weak grid: a modest connection can support high-power charging if a battery fills the gap.
- Backup: some charging can continue during short outages.
When it makes sense
| Situation | Solar | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime charging, roof or canopy space | Strong case | Optional |
| High-power site on a limited connection | Helpful | Strong case |
| Unreliable rural or highway supply | Helpful | Strong case |
| Overnight-only charging | Limited | Only with time shifting |
India's 2024 charging guidelines allow charging stations to integrate solar energy, and lower EV charging tariffs during solar hours make daytime charging even more attractive.
Design considerations
Size solar to the site's daytime demand, plan battery capacity around the peaks you want to cover, and use an energy management system that coordinates solar, storage, grid and chargers together. Check net-metering or banking rules with your DISCOM if solar output may exceed on-site use.
How PxT can help
PxT Energies designs charging sites with integrated solar and storage, sized to your load profile and tariffs.