The electrification of our roads appears to be an apparent solution to the transportation sector's massive environmental impact—as of May 2022, transportation accounted for more than a quarter of all U.S. emissions.

However, the EV transition is not without its drawbacks. Any "dirty" energy used to power an EV will have, at best, a net zero or, at worst, a negative impact on our carbon footprint. As a result, we'll need to look to cleaner energy, such as solar, to clean up our act and hasten the electrification of transportation.

Steering Toward Electrification with Solar Plus Storage

Solar plus storage can guide the path toward a clean future. Not only does it mitigate environmental impact, but it also addresses concerns surrounding a naturally volatile energy source.

This is made possible with the lithium-ion battery. These efficient batteries hold up to heavy use and optimize an EV's charging cycle. Their storage capacity is of paramount importance and makes solar a more reliable resource compared to other, less flexible forms of renewable energy.

Taking Weight Off an Overburdened Grid

Electrifying our transportation system would add 20 billion kWh to the daily demand of 12 billion kWh delivered by the United States’ grid. The more vocal opponents to EVs are concerned with this number—and rightly so, as we continue to push our existing systems to their limits.

Solar battery storage equips sites to operate their microgrid independently without stressing the current grid. As a bonus, widespread outages caused by weather events or a destabilized system will be of no consequence. 

Working With an Erratic Source

From a consumer standpoint, it's clear why the intermittent nature of a photovoltaic system might be a deal-breaker. It isn't feasible to be unable to charge your EV on a rainy day or overnight—when one would assume most charging takes place.

However, proper battery storage allows a system to harness and use excess electricity in an on-site system during low to no production. We can meet energy needs at any time, regardless of current output.

Investing In Sustainability

The cycling stability of All Solid-State Batteries (ASSBs) used in innovative solar battery storage systems allows for maximum ROI for both public and private adoption–though those considering solar plus storage for their site should consider their consumption, costs, and compatibility with existing chargers and systems. 

Aside from our global climate concerns, the value of the environmental benefits of investing in solar systems for EV infrastructure cannot be overstated to any institution seeking federal funding to support a launch, pilot, or further R&D efforts. 

Private investors also value climate awareness and resilience. It mitigates their risks and reflects upon their priorities and contributions toward social good—something the modern consumer is keenly aware of. 

Every sector of the energy industry is on the precipice of massive change, and in just a handful of years, we may be living in an entirely solar-powered world. As commercial and public institutions begin taking such breakneck steps forward, it is crucial to note the steps they should follow to ensure safety and longevity. Regardless of size or technology, every investor should keep two things in mind: future readiness while addressing current concerns.