In the center of the Mojave Desert lies Baker, California, with little else to offer other than sunshine, which, as it happens, was all PowerStation Charging needed. This startup's first DC fast charging station is off-grid, with 1080 solar panels producing enough energy to push electricity into a 3.4 MWh battery pack that keeps four CCS fast chargers running around the clock, rain or shine. There’s no membership or app required to use the station and no bill either, until May 31st, 2026. There are a few places in the country where a solar-powered charging station makes more geographic sense, and for EV drivers grinding through the desert stretch of I-15, the timing is pretty good too.
Why Solar Charging Makes Sense
The initial cost of installation may be expensive, with a home solar setup typically running between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Federal tax credits can knock 30 percent off that, though. Add a home battery and a Level 2 charger, and what you're really building is a system that lets you drive on electricity you made yourself. Over time, the amount of money you spend to "fuel" your car dramatically drops. Plus, when you’re using your own generated energy, issues such as grid outages or rising electricity rates are no longer a problem. A typical home solar system can take up to 10 years to break even. However, for consumers who were considering purchasing a home solar system anyway, adding an EV greatly increases the value proposition.
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The Bigger Solar Charging Movement Taking Shape
PowerStation has three more locations planned along the I-15, I-10, and I-8, so this isn't a one-off. Tesla's biggest Supercharger, opened late last year in Lost Hills, California, leans heavily on on-site solar and battery storage for a 164-vehicle station, though it keeps a grid connection for backup. When PowerStation's free period ends, drivers will pay between $0.30 and $0.45 per kWh, adjusted for demand and available sunlight. That's roughly in line with what most fast charging costs today, except the energy comes from the sky.
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