New EV Solar Charger Can Supply Enough Power for Short Daily Trips

GoSun, a solar technology company, is accepting deposits for its new EV solar charger. The device mounts onto the roof rack of the car, unfolds over the length of the electric vehicle and plugs into the charging port to turn solar energy into power for the car.

According to GoSun, the 1,100-watt charging device is ideal for providing enough power for daily commutes just with solar power, and it offers peace of mind for those with range anxiety over finding a charging station. The device is also designed to allow people to skip the lines and costs at public chargers when they just need a small power boost.

The charger doesn’t take the place of traditional EV charging infrastructure, but it can provide a boost of up to 20 miles per day. The company recommends keeping the panels clean and in direct sunlight to get the most energy possible, with the average amount provided ranging between 10 to 15 miles daily.

As Car and Driver reported, home charging remains one of the most affordable refueling options for vehicles, with costs coming in even lower than gas-powered cars. This can be especially true for areas that offer lower utility costs during non-peak hours. 

However, for people living in multifamily housing or anyone that makes use of public chargers, charger access may be limited, and costs have been rapidly rising. According to Car and Driver, charging costs at Electrify America chargers has increased 30% and Tesla Supercharger rates have increased 38% to 112% from 2021 to 2024.

“Solar EV battery chargers supply a reputable, affordable, and green solution for electrical vehicle owners, specifically those who reside in apartment or condos or places without committed billing stations,” GoSun said on its website.

The solar charger mounts on any EV or hybrid, so long as it has a luggage or roof rack. The panels weigh 70 pounds, and take about 20 minutes for two people to install. When driving, the device is folded up and sits on the roof rack, and is designed to withstand harsh weather and driving speeds up to 100 miles per hour. When the car is parked and the device is unfolded for charging, the panels are designed to withstand winds up to 30 miles per hour.

GoSun is accepting $100 deposits for the device, which will cost $2,999 in total. According to the product website, the solar charger may be eligible for up to 30% of the cost in federal tax credits along with locally available incentives.

GoSun expects deliveries of the chargers to begin sometime in 2025.