An EV charged from coal power still has emissions, just at the power station instead of the tailpipe. Powering stations with renewable energy is how operators and site hosts make charging genuinely green, and it is increasingly something drivers and corporate customers ask about.
Option 1: on-site solar
Rooftop or carport solar panels generate power where it is used. It works best at sites that charge during the day, such as workplaces, malls and fleet depots with day shifts. Excess power can serve the building or be exported, depending on your state's rules. See pairing chargers with solar and battery storage.
Option 2: solar plus storage
Batteries store midday solar for evening charging and reduce grid peaks. They add cost, so they make most sense where tariffs or grid limits are high.
Option 3: green power from the grid
Depending on your state and connection, you may be able to buy renewable electricity through your DISCOM's green tariff options or through open access arrangements for larger loads. Terms differ widely by state.
Option 4: off-site renewable projects
Larger operators can source power from solar or wind projects elsewhere, through power purchase arrangements where permitted.
Option 5: renewable energy certificates
Certificates represent renewable generation and can be used to claim renewable use. They are simpler to arrange, but are seen as weaker than physical renewable supply, so be clear about how you use them in public claims.
Charge when the grid is greener
Under the Ministry of Power's 2024 guidelines, public charging gets cheaper rates during solar hours (9 am to 4 pm). Encouraging daytime charging with time-of-day pricing lowers costs and increases the share of solar-rich power.
Making honest claims
- Say exactly what is renewable: on-site solar share, green tariff or certificates.
- Report the share of renewable energy, not just "100% green", unless you can prove it.
- Keep records of generation, purchases and certificates for ESG reporting.
PxT Energies, the company behind EVee Buddy, also provides renewable energy services, so we can design charging and solar together as one system.
Sources
Green tariffs, open access and net metering rules differ by state and change over time. Check with your DISCOM and state regulator.