Shaving of EV peak loads using DERs

EV charging infrastructure can be combined with solar energy systems, energy storage or other on-site DERs. Such combinations are particularly viable for highway charging stations, public charging stations in cities, bus charging stations and electric truck depots. They also allow charging in off-grid areas or areas with weak grid connections. The most common type of installation pairs EV chargers with solar PV, usually in the form of solar rooftops or canopies.

Charging EVs with DERs reduces peak loads and congestion on the grid. In so doing, it makes maximum use of the generated distributed energy, since plugged-in EVs will absorb electricity that could otherwise be wasted for lack of demand. It also avoids the distribution investments and grid capacity expansions that would be needed to supply large amounts of power to grid-connected charging stations. Off-grid solar charging systems will accelerate the swich to electric mobility in places with weak grids, avoiding the need for network extensions.