How Many Solar Panels Does It Take To Charge A Tesla?

Introduction

The concept of solar energy and electric cars is fairly new to the world. However, they go hand in hand. Solar panels have proven to be powerful and help you convert solar energy to electricity. Electric cars and solar panels both are eco-friendly and cheaper sources in their segments. People recently have been inclined towards electric cars, electric cars accessories and hope that they can use solar energy to charge them. The Tesla is one of the most popular electric cars out there right now. It’s also one of the most expensive ones too. 

The main factor that determines how many solar panels would be needed to charge a Tesla is the type of solar panels you buy. They are mainly ‘categorized according to their cost per KW (kilowatt). The amount of energy that you generate from the panels can also impact the amount of power you need to charge your Tesla.

The amount of energy captured from the panels, as well as the amount of energy you use from the panels, will determine how many panels are needed to charge a Tesla. Best Time of the Day to Use the panels – Although it might seem like the most efficient time to use the panels is all day, every day, you would be wrong. Morning and evening are the most optimal times to generate power from the panels. This is because, during these times, the sun is at its peak, which means that it generates the most amount of power. 

Can you charge a tesla with solar panels? 

Yes, in fact, you can. However, contrary to popular belief, you can’t use a portable solar charger to charge an electric car. As long as you have the proper solar panels and a Tesla Model, you can charge the car using the panels as a workaround to generate electrical power. To do this, you’ll need to find a solar array that is large enough to generate the required amount of power for your car.

You can find out how much power your panels are capable of generating by going to a solar energy resource website and looking up your location. You might want to wait until the sun is higher in the sky before investing in larger-scale solar panels, as this will make it more difficult for the panels to generate power.

How much does it cost to charge a tesla with solar panels? 

Now, this is going to vary based on where you live and the time of day. It also depends on which Tesla you are using. All the models have different battery capacities and are built differently. The cost depends upon how much power is used up by your car to be completely charged. However, we have provided you with an average cost of the solar panels that you will have to install. Here is an approximate cost of installation:

• Solar panel array: $11000
• Solar inverter: $5000
• Solar Charge Controller: $500
• Wires and cables: $300
• Other expenses: $200

We have devised some formulas to make it easier for you to calculate the following things:

1. To calculate daily energy (in kwh) required to charge your tesla:

2. To calculate daily power required:

3. To calculate the number of panels required:

How many solar panels to charge a tesla model S

This tesla model S has a total battery capacity of 103 kWh. Out of which only 98kWh is usable. It provides an estimated range of 330 miles on a full charge and has a top speed of 149 mph. With exceptional performance, accurate handling and quiet acceleration it is one of the best sedans. A roughly estimated average of this car is 18.1 kWh every 62.13 miles.

To calculate the daily energy consumption:

Now you can calculate the DC size of your system:

Now you have the information to calculate the number of solar panels required:

With the above calculations we can say that you will need 8 solar panels of 400W each to charge your Tesla Model S. 

How many solar panels to charge a tesla model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 has an estimated battery capacity of 50 kWh but out of this only 40 kWh is usable. With this battery, it provides a range of almost 165 miles on one full charge. It has a top speed of 140 mph. This tesla is one of the most practical and high-tech EV vehicles in the market. This EV consumes 14.9 kWh every 62.13 miles.

Now to calculate the daily energy:

To calculate the power consumed:

Now finally, how many solar panels are needed to charge this high-tech EV vehicle:

After looking at the above cancellation we can say that you need almost 6 solar panels with 400W capacity of each to charge your tesla model 3.

How many solar panels are to charge a tesla model X 

The Tesla Model X has a total battery capacity of 100 kWh out of which 95 kWh is usable. With one full charge, it can provide 290 miles of drive. It has a top speed of 155 mph. With great power and quick acceleration, the Tesla Model X has become one of the best SUVs available in the market. The Updated battery architecture enables both Long Range and Plaid configurations to complete back-to-back track runs without performance degradation.’ it has a power consumption of 20.8 kWh every 62.13 miles.

Now to calculate the daily energy:

To calculate the power consumed:

Now you have the information to calculate the number of solar panels required:

Model X being a high-performing SUV needs 9 solar panels with 400W power to charge.

How many solar panels to charge a tesla model Y 

The Tesla Model X has a total battery capacity of 82kWh out of which 75 kWh is usable. With one full charge, it can provide 330 miles of driving. It has a top speed of 155 mph. This model provides a great usable range and straight-line performance. With one of the most attractive options and a great range, it has become very popular. This model also has a power consumption of 28 kWh every 100 miles.

Now to calculate the daily energy:

To calculate the power consumed:

Now you have the information to calculate the number of solar panels required:

According to the above calculations, the tesla model Y requires 7 solar panels of 400W each to charge. 

How many solar panels are to charge a tesla Cybertruck?

According to current reports about the tesla Cybertruck, it has a battery capacity of 200 kWh. Tesla claims the new truck will feature distances from 250 to over 500 miles. It is claimed to have a top speed of 110mph. This is one of the most unique vehicles to be made. It has a solid stainless-steel exterior and the armoured glass provides a tough and durable exterior to this car. This EV has an energy consumption of 415 kWh every 100 miles.

Now to calculate the daily energy:

To calculate the power consumed:

Now you have the information to calculate the number of solar panels required:

Due to the tough exterior and multiple high-power motors in the car it needs 11 solar panels of 400W each.

Conclusion 

This article has all the information you need to know about charging a Tesla using solar panels. Using solar energy to charge your EV car is a very good thing to do for the environment. This eco-friendly way of transportation can make society a better place to live. We hope this article helps you if you are looking to switch to solar energy or looking to buy a new tesla.