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California couple finds EV and PV as natural together as chocolate and wine.


By Scott Doggett, Contributing Editor


"We live and drive on sunshine."


If you have the good fortune to spend a day with Peder and Julie Norby at their home in the Southern California town of Carlsbad, you'll not only hear Peder say that, you'll see it.

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Peder Norby beside his Mini E, in front of his zero-energy home. Edmunds leases the Mini E at far right. Click to enlarge.
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The Norbys are among a growing group of Americans who rely on photovoltaic (PV) panels on their roofs to meet or supplement their electrical needs.


In the Norbys' case, those electrical needs extend to a zero-emissions, 100-percent electric Mini E the couple is leasing from BMW.


Their PV array generates 12,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, of which their home - think lights, appliances, air-conditioner - consumes 9,000 kWh and the Mini E 3,000 kWh. That makes theirs a zero-energy home.


Do the Norbys have batteries that store energy during the day for use at night, when the sun's tucked away and the photovoltaics are resting?


No. As long as you have a reliable grid, there is no need for batteries, Peder explained in the comfort of his great room. If you produce excess electricity during the day, the energy is not lost. In fact, it goes to the grid when the grid needs it most - during peak, afternoon hours.


When that happens, the Norbys' electric meter actually spins backward, generating credit for them.
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Tags: Alternative Fuels, BMW, Batteries, Emissions, Energy Companies, Fuel Economy, MINI, Plug-ins and Electric, Battery-Electric Vehicle, BEV, BMW, Mini E, Peter and Julie Norby, Zero-Emissions Vehicle

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Rooftop Solar Panels Energize Home and Mini E at Low Cost and With No Emissions was originally published by Green Car Advisor. Read the full story by clicking here.