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Daily miles to extra panels math for every popular EV. PECO, PPL, and Duquesne TOU rates compared. System sizing, costs, and PA SREC income for 2026.
2.5-3.5
Avg Extra kW
$7.5-10.5K
Cost at $3.00/W
$30/MWh
PA SREC Income
$1,000
30C Credit
Every EV has an efficiency rating measured in miles per kWh. The average Pennsylvania driver covers about 37 miles per day (13,500 miles/year per FHWA). Here is the simple formula:
Annual EV kWh = (Daily miles / Miles per kWh) x 365
Extra kW needed = Annual EV kWh / 1,200 kWh per kW (PA solar production)
Extra panels = Extra kW / 0.42 kW per panel (420W standard)
| EV Model | Efficiency (mi/kWh) | Annual kWh | Extra kW | Extra Panels | Cost at $3.00/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tesla Model 3 LR | 4.2 | 3,217 | 2.7 kW | 6 | $8,100 |
Tesla Model Y | 3.5 | 3,860 | 3.2 kW | 8 | $9,600 |
Chevy Equinox EV | 3.4 | 3,974 | 3.3 kW | 8 | $9,900 |
Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 3.3 | 4,094 | 3.4 kW | 8 | $10,200 |
Ford Mustang Mach-E | 3.1 | 4,358 | 3.6 kW | 9 | $10,800 |
Ford F-150 Lightning | 2.1 | 6,433 | 5.4 kW | 13 | $16,200 |
Rivian R1S | 2.4 | 5,629 | 4.7 kW | 11 | $14,100 |
BMW iX xDrive50 | 2.8 | 4,825 | 4 kW | 10 | $12,000 |
Key takeaway
Most sedans and crossovers need 6-10 extra panels (2.7-3.6 kW). Trucks and large SUVs need 11-13 panels (4.7-5.4 kW). Adjust your daily miles up or down to match your actual commute. Every 10 extra miles/day adds roughly 1-2 panels.
Time-of-use rates reward EV owners who charge overnight. All three major PA utilities offer TOU options with significant off-peak discounts. Charging your EV during off-peak hours can cut your electricity cost by 50-68% compared to peak rates.
Philadelphia metro / SE PA
~1.6M customers
Flat Rate
$0.18/kWh
Summer TOU
Peak: $0.28/kWh (2-7 PM weekdays)
Off-peak: $0.09/kWh (all other hours)
Winter TOU
Peak: $0.25/kWh (6-9 AM & 5-8 PM)
Off-peak: $0.09/kWh (all other hours)
EV Charger Rebate
$300 toward Level 2 charger
Eastern / Central PA
~1.4M customers
Flat Rate
$0.16/kWh
Summer TOU
Peak: $0.26/kWh (1-7 PM weekdays)
Off-peak: $0.14/kWh (all other hours)
Winter TOU
Peak: $0.23/kWh (6-10 AM weekdays)
Off-peak: $0.14/kWh (all other hours)
EV Charger Rebate
None currently
Pittsburgh metro
~600K customers
Flat Rate
$0.15/kWh
Summer TOU
Peak: $0.25/kWh (9 AM-9 PM weekdays)
Off-peak: $0.12/kWh (all other hours)
Winter TOU
Peak: $0.25/kWh (9 AM-9 PM weekdays)
Off-peak: $0.12/kWh (all other hours)
EV Charger Rebate
None currently
Solar generates during the day
Excess solar exports to the grid at 1:1 net metering, building credits
EV charges overnight on credits
Net metering credits offset the EV charging at full retail rate
TOU saves even more
If your solar under-produces, off-peak charging costs 50-68% less than peak
SRECs stack on top
Extra panels earn ~$30/MWh in PA SRECs regardless of how you use the power
The best approach is sizing a single solar system that covers both your home electricity and your EV. Here is how the numbers break down for a typical Pennsylvania household.
Home electricity
PA average household
10,500 kWh/yr
8.75 kW solar
EV charging
37 mi/day sedan
3,500 kWh/yr
2.9 kW solar
Total system
Complete coverage
14,000 kWh/yr
11.7 kW solar
Home electricity
PA average household
10,500 kWh/yr
8.75 kW solar
EV #1 (sedan)
37 mi/day
3,500 kWh/yr
2.9 kW solar
EV #2 (SUV/truck)
37 mi/day
5,000 kWh/yr
4.2 kW solar
Total system
Complete coverage
19,000 kWh/yr
15.8 kW solar
PA Net Metering Advantage
Pennsylvania mandates 1:1 retail net metering for all investor-owned utilities (PECO, PPL, Duquesne, Met-Ed). Your solar exports during the day earn credits at the full retail rate, which then offset your nighttime EV charging. You do not need a battery for this to work — the grid acts as your virtual battery.
Understanding the timing mismatch between solar production and EV charging is critical for sizing your system correctly.
Voltage
240V (dedicated circuit)
Amperage
32-48 amps typical
Power draw
7.7-11.5 kW
Range added
25-37 miles/hour
Full charge time
6-10 hours (empty to full)
Install cost
$1,200-$2,500 (panel + wiring)
6 AM - 10 AM
Solar ramps up. Low to moderate production. Home loads active.
10 AM - 3 PM
Peak solar production. Maximum grid export. Net metering credits accumulate fastest. EV typically at work.
3 PM - 7 PM
Solar declining. TOU peak pricing active (PECO/PPL). Avoid EV charging during this window if on TOU rate.
9 PM - 6 AM
Off-peak TOU pricing. Best time to charge EV. Net metering credits offset the draw. Lowest cost per kWh.
Do I need a battery to charge my EV from solar?
No. With 1:1 net metering in PA, your solar exports during the day earn credits that offset nighttime EV charging at the same retail rate. A battery adds value for TOU arbitrage and backup power, but is not required for EV charging economics to work.
The Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit provides up to $1,000 (30% of installed cost) for a residential EV charger. The OBBBA accelerated the expiration to June 30, 2026. There is no extension.
$1,000
30% of total installed cost, capped at $1,000 for residential. Most Level 2 installations ($1,200-$2,500) qualify for the full amount.
6/30/2026
Charger must be placed in service by June 30, 2026. No extensions. Plan installation 4-6 weeks ahead to allow for permits and scheduling.
Level 2 (240V) or DC fast chargers at your primary residence. Includes the charger unit, wiring, panel upgrade, and labor. Must be new equipment (not used/refurbished).
$2,100
Charger + Install
Avg Level 2
-$1,000
30C Tax Credit
Federal
-$300
PECO Rebate
PECO territory
$800
Net Cost
Your cost
At the current Pennsylvania average of $3.00/W installed, adding extra panels specifically for EV charging is a straightforward investment calculation. No federal solar tax credit applies in 2026, but PA SRECs and net metering improve the return.
| Scenario | Extra kW | Install Cost | Annual EV Savings | Annual SREC | Simple Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient sedan (Model 3) | 2.7 kW | $8,100 | $579/yr | $97/yr | 12 years |
| Mid-size crossover (Ioniq 5) | 3.4 kW | $10,200 | $737/yr | $122/yr | 11.9 years |
| Full-size SUV (Rivian R1S) | 4.7 kW | $14,100 | $1,013/yr | $169/yr | 11.9 years |
| Pickup truck (F-150 Lightning) | 5.4 kW | $16,200 | $1,158/yr | $194/yr | 12 years |
* EV savings calculated at PECO flat rate ($0.18/kWh). PPL/Duquesne territory savings are lower due to lower rates. SREC income at $30/MWh. Payback excludes potential electricity rate increases (which would shorten payback).
Gas car (28 MPG)
$1,832/yr
13,500 mi at $3.80/gal
EV on grid power
$648/yr
3,600 kWh at $0.18/kWh
EV on solar
$0/yr
Solar covers EV + SREC income
Pennsylvania has an active Solar Renewable Energy Credit market. Every 1,000 kWh your panels produce earns one SREC, which can be sold on the open market. This income applies to all solar production, including panels added for EV charging.
Current SREC price
~$30/MWh
AEPS target
0.5% by 2021 (met)
Compliance deadline
June 1 annually
Certification
PA-GATs tracking system
Life span
3 years from generation
Market type
Open competitive market
2.5 kW extra
3,000 kWh/yr
$90/yr
3 SRECs
3 kW extra
3,600 kWh/yr
$108/yr
3.6 SRECs
3.5 kW extra
4,200 kWh/yr
$126/yr
4.2 SRECs
4 kW extra
4,800 kWh/yr
$144/yr
4.8 SRECs
5 kW extra
6,000 kWh/yr
$180/yr
6 SRECs
SREC prices fluctuate
PA SREC prices have declined from $200+ in 2010 to ~$30 today as the market has matured and solar supply has grown. Use $30/MWh as a conservative baseline for financial projections. Some brokers offer multi-year contracts to lock in pricing.
Use the calculator below to estimate how many extra solar panels you need for your specific EV and utility territory.
Adjust inputs below to see your PA results
24.2 kWh/100mi · 310 mi range
$0.1800/kWh
Total Annual Savings
$523/yr
Solar offset savings · 13.3 yr payback
Annual EV Energy
2,904kWh
Extra Solar Needed
2.4kW
Additional Panels
~6panels
Solar Upgrade Cost
$6,970
You save $1,157/yr vs gas
$523/yr
Solar EV Offset
13.3 yrs
Payback Period
Based on PECO ($0.1800/kWh) ·1,200 kWh/kW/yr PA avg · $2.88/W installed · Gas: $3.50/gal at 25 MPG · 30C expires 6/30/26 · No residential ITC (25D expired 12/31/25)
Get a free custom estimate that includes your home load, EV charging needs, and SREC income projection. Lock in the 30C charger credit before June 30, 2026.
Complete bundle savings with 30C + PECO rebate stacking
Read guideCompare utility rates and solar ROI by territory
Read guideHow Pennsylvania SRECs work and current market pricing
Read guide1:1 retail net metering rules for all PA utilities
Read guideComplete cost breakdown by utility territory
Read guideTOU arbitrage with batteries across PA utilities
Read guide