California is the electric vehicle capital of the world, and the East Bay is leading the charge. But there is a hidden "fuel cost" that new EV owners often overlook: their electric bill. Charging a long-range EV can increase a household’s electricity consumption by 30% or more. If you aren't prepared, those "gas savings" can quickly be eaten up by higher utility tiers.
Calculating the Load When we sit down with homeowners at Sierra Roofing and Solar, we don't just look at last year's energy bill; we look at their future. An average EV driven 12,000 miles a year requires about 3,500 to 4,000 kWh of electricity. To offset this, you typically need to add 5 to 8 additional solar panels to your roof.
Roof Readiness for EV Infrastructure An EV charger (Level 2) requires a dedicated 240V circuit, but the real concern is where those solar panels will go. If your roof is older than 15 years, it is unwise to install a 25-year solar array on top of it. We specialize in "future-proofing" your home. By coordinating a roof upgrade with an EV-ready solar installation, you ensure that your home’s infrastructure can handle the massive electrical load of a modern garage without needing costly retrofits five years down the line.