Charge Your EV With Solar in Rhode Island: The Math on Real Savings
- Newport Solar Staff
- May 21
- 6 min read
Charging your car at home is one of the biggest benefits of owning an electric vehicle (EV). If you plan to charge your EV with solar in Rhode Island, it is important to understand the math behind the potential savings.
According to the US Department of Energy, EV drivers can save $800 to $1,000 per year by charging their vehicles at home. When paired with a home solar energy system, those savings increase even further with clean, renewable energy.
“Driving an EV instead of a comparable conventional vehicle, can save a driver as much as $14,500 on fuel costs over 15 years.” - U.S. DOE
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular in households. In fact, by 2030, it is anticipated that 10% of all drivers in Rhode Island will have electric vehicles (Environment America). That means more individuals and families should understand how solar power can help charge their vehicles.
If you’re ready to charge your EV with solar in Rhode Island, Newport Solar can help design the right setup for your home. A custom-designed EV charging system allows you to rely less on public stations and seamlessly integrates with how you use your EV.
Pair Solar with a Home EV Charger Installation in Rhode Island
Home EV charger installation in Rhode Island is becoming pretty common as more residents become electric vehicle owners. The long term value becomes even more compelling when you connect your EV charger to a custom-designed solar system, allowing homeowners to rely less on utility power. EV home chargers without solar consume energy from the grid that you pay your utility company for. EV home charging with solar consumes energy from solar panels, allowing your EV charger to rely less on the grid, which offsets your utility bill in the long-run. For many homeowners in communities like Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth, pairing solar with EV charging is part of a broader shift toward energy independence, resilience, and thoughtful home
electrification.
Electricity Rates In Rhode Island: Why They Matter
For people asking, “How much can I save charging my EV with solar?” - you first have to look at electricity rates. Rhode Island has some of the highest utility rates in the country and remains heavily dependent on natural gas generation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas fueled 87% of Rhode Island’s in-state electricity generation in 2024 which was the highest of any state.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Electric Power Monthly’s latest electricity data showed that the average resident in Rhode Island was paying nearly 29¢ per kWh in early 2026. This is significantly higher than the national average residential rate which is about 17¢ per kWh according U.S. EIA reports.
This helps explain why solar power is especially valuable for EV owners in Rhode Island. Without having to rely on high-cost grid electricity or public charging stations, residents can see significant savings while reducing exposure to rising utility rates and building long-term energy independence.
How much energy does charging an EV actually use?
Most EV’s consume about 0.25 to 0.35 kWh per mile. This is comparable to running central air in your home for 15-20 minutes for every mile you drive.
For an average Rhode Island Driver:
12,000 miles per year
Equals 3,600-4,200 kWh annually
Understanding EV Charging Levels
Level 1-Slow: Charges through a standard residential 120-volt outlet, taking about 40-50+ hours to get your EV from 0%-80%.
Level 2-Ideal: Charges through a higher-rate residential 240-volt outlet, taking about 4-8 hours to get your EV from 0%-80%.
Level 3-Fast: Charges through direct current, taking about 20 minutes to 1 hour to get your EV from 0%-80%. (only available at public charging stations)
For most residential properties, Level 2 chargers are the preferred option for home EV charging. They allow vehicles to charge overnight and can utilize solar energy produced by the home during the day through net metering and overall energy offset. Pairing solar with EV charging can help reduce reliance on utility electricity and lower long-term energy costs.
For businesses, Level 3 EV chargers in Rhode Island are typically designed for high traffic charging applications. These chargers have different electrical requirements and are not intended for residential use.
Extend the Value of Your System with Bi-Directional Charging
Bi directional EV charging technology is beginning to enter the market. These systems allow certain electric vehicles to not only charge from the home, but also send stored energy back to the home during outages or periods of high energy demand. In some applications, the vehicle can effectively function as a backup battery system.
At Newport Solar, we value quality, craftsmanship, and long term performance. The equipment we install is carefully selected from manufacturers that meet our standards for safety, reliability, customer support, and system integration.
Our designers and licensed electricians help guide customers through the available options and recommend products based on performance, compatibility, and the needs of the home.
As a premium Rhode Island solar installer, we believe the equipment we use should reflect the same level of quality and professionalism we bring to every project.
What size of a solar-powered system do I need to cover EV charging?
For an average Rhode Island driver traveling approximately 12,000 miles per year:
EV charging may require around 3,000–4,000 kWh of electricity annually
In many cases, that usage can be offset with an approximately 3–4 kW solar system
Actual system size and production will vary depending on roof orientation, shading, and overall site conditions
This is dependent on your roof's orientation and shading around your home.
According to AAA, it may take approximately 7 to 12 solar panels to offset the charging needs of an EV, depending on driving habits, vehicle efficiency, and solar production.
At Newport Solar, we determine the right system size after an initial assessment of the home and energy usage. We take into account factors such as the home’s electrical profile, EV charging goals, battery configuration, and the customer’s driving habits.
For homeowners who don’t have solar power, our team will evaluate your home to determine what is needed for both a home EV charger installation in Rhode Island and to equip the whole house with solar power. For homeowners with existing solar systems, we can custom-design a thoughtful expansion to ensure your system is compatible with EV charging.
What is the difference between American EV charging brands?
Having an EV charger solar allows homeowners to use and produce their own electricity. Having an EV charger without solar means that homeowners are buying power from the electricity grid. Having the right charger is the first step to controlling when and how you use energy. When it comes to EV home charging equipment, we will find the brand that is most compatible with your solar system and your EV charger.
Choosing the right EV charger depends on factors like vehicle type, electrical infrastructure, solar compatibility, charging habits, and long term energy goals.
Newport Solar: Serving Areas Across Rhode Island
If you need an electric car charge at home, Newport Solar is conveniently located to help you do just that.
From Barrington to West Greenwich, you can find the Newport Solar team serving homeowners and business owners in the counties of Newport, Bristol, Kent, Providence and Washington. To each community, we bring professionalism and craftsmanship as we help Rhode Island residents power their everyday lives.
Our process starts with a consultation where we evaluate your home, discuss energy goals, and review available incentives and system options. From there, our design team develops a thoughtful plan that balances performance, aesthetics, and long term functionality. If permitting is required, our team handles the coordination. On installation day, our licensed electricians complete the project with careful attention to craftsmanship, integration, and clean execution. We leave behind no mess, only a system designed to help you live more efficiently.
When you need a home EV charger installation in Rhode Island - or any solar project, trust in Newport Solar.
The Newport Solar Difference
There is a reason our clients have trusted us with more than 1,000 installs. Here’s the expertise Newport Solar brings to every project:
Nearly 20 years of installing solar across Rhode Island.
Built for Rhode Island rooftops, weather, and grid.
Licensed in-house team on every job.
Long-term support is part of every project.
Commitment to craftsmanship, communication, and lasting customer relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save charging my EV with solar in Newport, RI?
When charging your EV with solar, you can save several hundred dollars a year compared to charging on the electric grid, and potentially over $2000 per year compared to a traditional gas vehicle. Savings vary based on driving habits, electricity rates, and your solar system's design.
Is it worth adding solar if I have an electric car in Rhode Island?
For many Rhode Island homeowners, pairing solar with an electric vehicle is a practical way to lower long term energy costs while taking advantage of available incentives and gaining more control over how energy is used at home.
Do both the Tesla Powerwall and Enphase IQ batteries qualify for Rhode Island’s Connected Solutions program?
Yes, both Tesla Powerwall and Enphase IQ battery systems can participate in Rhode Island Energy’s Connected Solutions program. This is one of several incentives that keep solar power costs reasonable for Rhode Island residents.
Can I add more solar panels in the future?
Yes, and you may want to expand if you buy an electric vehicle! Energy usage can grow for other reasons, too. Clients who add heat pumps or add on to their home may benefit from additional solar panels. As with our first installation at the home, our team will come out to ask questions, go over possible solutions, evaluate your roof space, look at equipment compatibility and utility requirements, and do everything possible to ensure a smooth and efficient expansion process.
