Optimal installation of electric vehicle charging stations connected with rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems: a case study

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been growing to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. The increasing number of EVs requires adequate recharging infrastructure, and at the same time, adopts low- or zero-emission electricity production because the GHG emissions are highly dependent on primary sources of electricity production. Although previous research has studied solar photovoltaic (PV) -integrated EV charging stations, it is challenging to optimize spatial areas between where the charging stations are required and where the renewable energy sources (i.e., solar photovoltaic (PV)) are accessible. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to support decisions of siting EV charging stations using a spatial data clustering method integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS). This research explores spatial relationships of PV power outputs (i.e., supply) and traffic flow (i.e., demand) and tests a community in the state of Indiana, USA for optimal sitting of EV charging stations. Under the assumption that EV charging stations should be placed where the potential electricity production and traffic flow are high to match supply and demand, this research identified three areas for installing EV charging stations powered by rooftop PV in the study area. The proposed strategies will drive the transition of existing energy infrastructure into decentralized power systems. This research will ultimately contribute to enhancing economic efficiency and environmental sustainability by enabling significant reductions in electricity distribution loss and GHG emissions driven by transportation energy.