Many owners and developers are being required by either their local building codes or tenants to install EV chargers. If your building doesn’t have extra power capacity you may assume that you have to go to your utility company and increase your service, however, in many cases that is not necessary.

Through load management and smart charging systems, you can optimize the charging process by distributing the available power among the chargers based on the needs. Smart software, with advanced artificial intelligence enabled software can effectively control the flow of power between the building, EV charging stations, and the grid. This involves managing the power consumption of all onsite non-critical energy loads on a granular basis, to allow for power to be available for more charging. The AI software knows when power is needed in the building versus charging, and can shift the loads around at the right moments.

In addition, solar and solar battery storage systems can also play an enabling role in adding capacity for EV charging. By generating power from the sun you are reducing the amount of energy you need to pull from the grid. Coupled with a right sized battery energy storage system, you can then store that solar energy during the day and can be used to provide supplemental power when needed. The battery storage system effectively acts as a buffer, helping to manage the fluctuations in electricity demand from the additional charging, and reducing the load on the building’s grid power supply.

Another key benefit of solar and battery storage systems for EV charging is economic. By sourcing free power from the sun, and using power stored in the battery, you avoid pulling as much expensive grid energy. An owner can then unlock new revenue potential by creating a spread between the lower cost of solar generated energy and the premium rate that EV users/tenants are paying to charge their EVs.

So before you put yourself through the stress and frustration of going to your utility company to get more power, consider these alternative solutions that can save you a ton of time and have a better economical outcome.

To learn more about EV Charging, contact Annie Otfinoski