Planning solar panels and home EV charging together

Put the whole project on one page

Start with the property address, your goals and what is already installed. Separate confirmed work from ideas. For example, a charger needed for an arriving vehicle and solar considered for a later roof replacement have different starting points.

1. Equipment already chosen or installed

   Gather model names, product sheets and available drawings for the charger and any solar equipment. If a system is already operating, include its installation paperwork and installer’s contact details. Mark an unselected model as undecided; ask the designers what needs confirming before you buy.

2. Roof, building work and timing

   Note planned roof repairs, an addition, a garage rebuild or other renovations, along with any booked dates. Share existing roof drawings and photographs taken from the ground. Ask who will assess roof condition and suitability, and how that review affects the order of work.

   Alberta’s Utilities Consumer Advocate recommends checking roof condition before installing solar. The City of Calgary’s solar calculator considers roof area, shape, direction and shading, but its estimates still need a professional site review.

3. Parking and charging routine

   Include the vehicle model, usual parking space and when it is normally at home. Note a detached garage, shared parking or plans for a second EV. Photographs can show the space, charging-port position and nearby doors or walkways. Ask the electrician to assess placement and the installation route.

   Use the EV assessment preparation checklist for the panel identification and equipment details to gather safely. Keep electrical covers in place and leave inspection and measurements to the electrician.

4. Goals and future electrical equipment

   Explain what you want each project to do and which decisions are most urgent. List planned additions such as a heat pump, electric water heater, workshop equipment or another vehicle. Include approximate timing and distinguish these plans from equipment already in use.

   The City’s electrical guidance identifies existing service capacity and added loads as planning considerations. Ask the electrician how your proposed equipment affects the assessment, including any shared electrical service.

Agree who answers each design question

Use the same project note with each person involved. Ask for responsibilities to be named in the proposal, including any work another provider or the property owner must arrange.

• Who confirms the solar layout, roof suitability and mounting details?
• Who assesses the electrical service and checks the proposed solar and charging equipment together?
• Who identifies and arranges the applicable permits, inspections, utility coordination and property approvals?
• If the projects happen in stages, which decisions must be settled before the first installation?
• If one equipment choice changes, who checks its effect on the other design and updates the drawings?
• Who provides the final equipment records, operating guidance and contact for later questions?

Before agreeing to work, ask each provider to identify what is included, what remains undecided and what information they need from someone else. Keep the answers with your proposals so an unresolved question stays visible as the project develops.