Solar based Electric Vehicle Charger in G2V and V2G Modes of Operation

Abstract

This project presents a hardware-based hybrid electric vehicle (EV) charging system that integrates solar energy and AC grid supply with efficient energy utilization for street lighting. In the initial stage, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate DC power, which is regulated using a DC-DC boost converter with MPPT to charge the EV battery. When solar energy is insufficient, an AC charger converts grid power from AC to DC to ensure continuous charging. A microcontroller-based system with voltage and current sensors is used to monitor real-time power parameters, and the measured values are displayed on an LCD. The stored energy in the EV battery is utilized to operate the vehicle. Additionally, an energy management strategy is implemented to utilize excess battery power. When the battery charge exceeds a predefined threshold, the controller activates a relay to divert surplus energy for operating street lights. This approach minimizes energy wastage and enhances system efficiency. The proposed system demonstrates a sustainable and intelligent solution by combining renewable energy, backup grid supply, and smart load management. It is suitable for real-time applications in smart cities, promoting energy conservation and efficient utilization of available power resources.

Introduction

The main issue addressed is that conventional EV charging depends heavily on grid electricity, which increases power demand and carbon emissions, while solar energy alone is unreliable due to its intermittent nature. Additionally, many existing systems fail to efficiently manage excess stored energy and lack proper real-time monitoring and control.

To solve these problems, the proposed system integrates solar photovoltaic panels, a DC-DC boost converter with MPPT, an AC grid backup charger, battery storage, sensors, a microcontroller, and relay-based control. Solar energy is used as the primary charging source, while grid electricity acts as a backup during low sunlight conditions. Voltage and current sensors continuously monitor system performance, and an LCD displays real-time data.

A key feature of the system is intelligent energy management, where excess battery energy is automatically diverted to power street lights, improving energy utilization and reducing wastage. The system operates in multiple modes depending on solar availability and battery status, ensuring continuous and reliable EV charging.

The methodology explains a fully automated workflow: energy generation, voltage regulation using MPPT, battery charging, real-time monitoring, and surplus energy redistribution. The system is controlled by a microcontroller (Arduino/ESP32) and uses relay switching for load management.

Experimental results show:

• Output voltage increases with solar irradiance, confirming effective MPPT operation.
• Battery charging is controlled and safe, with current decreasing as charge increases.
• Power measurements validate accurate sensor-based monitoring.
• AC charging provides stable backup power during low solar conditions.
• Excess energy is efficiently used for street lighting when the battery is sufficiently charged.

Conclusion

The proposed solar and AC-based EV charging system with excess energy utilization demonstrates an efficient and sustainable solution for modern energy demands. By integrating solar energy as the primary source and AC grid supply as a backup, the system ensures reliable and uninterrupted EV charging. The inclusion of a DC-DC boost converter with MPPT enhances energy extraction, while the AC charger maintains charging during low solar availability. Real-time monitoring using voltage and current sensors, along with a microcontroller, enables accurate power measurement and intelligent control. A key contribution of this system is the effective utilization of surplus battery energy for operating street lights, reducing energy wastage and improving overall efficiency. The hardware-based implementation proves the practicality of the system for real-world applications. This approach supports smart energy management, reduces dependency on conventional power sources, and promotes the use of renewable energy, making it suitable for smart cities and sustainable transportation infrastructure.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Mr. Manav Punwatkar, Prof. H. S. Sheikh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.