The pure PV-EV energy system – A conceptual study of a nationwide energy system based solely on photovoltaics and electric vehicles

Abstract

The objective of this conceptual study is to reveal the substantial potential and synergy of solar energy and electric vehicles (EVs) working together. This potential is demonstrated by studying the feasibility of a nationwide energy system solely reliant on solar energy and EVs. Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is already an important energy source globally, but due to its intermittency it requires energy storage to balance between times of high and low production. At the same time, a global drive is underway in the transport sector: the change from internal combustion engines to EVs. Cars are in fact stationary 95% of the time, and when the vehicle is connected to the grid, the EV battery can regulate the intermittent PV source using vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This paper presents a conceptual study of a pure PV-EV based energy system, with Spain as a case study. Provided that Spain’s entire fleet of 29.4 million road going vehicles is switched to EVs, the study shows that 3.45 billion m² of PV (73 m² per capita) could give Spain a completely self-reliant energy system. The theoretical study is based on a combination of measured values, simulations, and assumptions. The conclusion of the analysis is undoubtedly extraordinary, namely that an entire country like Spain can power its complete energy system solely on PV, using EVs as the only energy storage resource.