Most new DCFCs these days can charge at speeds of either 150 kilowatts or 350 kilowatts. According to a study by fast charging company EVGo, under standard use, a bank of four chargers requires as much power as that needed to power 100 and 230 homes, respectively. In other words, just four of these chargers have the energy demand of an entire housing subdivision.

Compare that to a typical solar panel, which under ideal conditions can generate about 320 watts, according to Sunrun. In order to power a single 150 kilowatt fast charger, a company would need to install 469 solar panels.

Again, none of this is to say solar canopies are bad. They are a net positive, all things considered, because we need all the solar we can possibly get if we want green energy any time soon.

But the relationship between EVs and that green energy is more complicated than is often presented....