Zero emissions: charging an electric company car fleet with solar energy
Zero emissions: charging electric company car fleets with solar energy
Zero emissions are no longer just an environmental goal, but also an economic and corporate interest. The rise of electric company car fleets and the possibility of solar-powered charging are fundamentally transforming sustainable transportation. It is becoming increasingly important for companies to be not only efficient but also climate-neutral in their operations—and solar energy and a smartly designed electric car charging infrastructure play a key role in this.
In this article, we explain what zero emissions actually means, how corporate car emissions are measured, and how a well-designed solar panel system can contribute to the operation of a fully electric fleet. We examine how much investment this requires, what government subsidies will be available in 2025, and what specific examples we can see in Hungary and abroad.
Finally, we will also provide practical SOLARKIT tips on how to maximize the return on your solar energy investment and maintain truly zero-emission operations.
Why is zero emissions important for companies?
Nowadays, meeting climate targets and operating sustainably is becoming an increasingly urgent task for companies, especially when we consider that the economic and regulatory environment is also becoming more stringent. Committing to zero emissions is therefore no longer just a social expectation, but also a strategic business advantage.
Firstly, by reducing emissions, companies can mitigate significant financial risks, as the EU ETS (emissions trading system) and other regulations increase the costs of pollution.
In addition, companies that meet sustainability goals can build a stronger brand image through more favorable supplier and investor perceptions. On the other hand, it is also evident globally that a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions is concentrated in a few large companies—meaning that corporate responsibility is also increasing.
Furthermore, the move towards zero emissions also helps long-term competitiveness. Industry transformations and technological changes are expected (e.g., renewable energy sources, electric vehicles), and companies that are already taking steps now can gain an advantage. Finally, it is not only important from an environmental point of view: optimizing organizational operations (using renewable energy) often means reducing operating costs.
How will residential and industrial solar panel prices develop in 2025?
The price of solar panel systems in Hungary will be relatively stable in 2025, but the total cost of installation and the complexity of the system will continue to have a significant impact on the final price.
For residential systems, for example:
- A smaller 3-4 kW system costs around HUF 1.2-2 million, including installation costs.
- For an average 5-6 kW system, the total gross cost is around HUF 2-2.5 million.
- For example, according to current data, the price of an 8 kW system in 2025 could range from 3.5 to 4.5 million HUF.
For industrial or corporate-scale systems, the costs are much higher:
There is a significant difference between the two segments not only in terms of size, but also in terms of components (e.g., high-performance panels, higher-performance inverters, energy storage).
The cost of an industrial-scale system can start at tens of millions of forints, with the exact amount depending on the size of the installation, the technology used, and the energy demand.
It is important to emphasize that the price is not just the cost of the panels – for example, in some lists, the price of an average panel is between 33,000 and 46,000 forints for the part to be installed.
However, the final price also includes inverters, support structures, licensing, installation, and implementation, which represent an increasingly large part of the total cost.
Overall, therefore, if we are thinking in a corporate environment—i.e., for corporate-scale fleet charging—the investment cost is in the higher category, but the return potential also increases proportionally, especially if we combine it with zero emissions.
The meaning and measurement of emissions
In the field of environmental protection, the term "emission" refers to greenhouse gases released into the environment, such as the air or water, from a given source (e.g., a vehicle, industrial machine, or power plant).
In the case of vehicle fleets, it is particularly important to accurately quantify greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., CO₂), as this is the only way to verify real progress in environmental protection.
There are two main methods of measurement:
Direct measurement: When the emission source is measured directly (e.g., vehicle exhaust gas analysis, measurement from industrial chimneys).
Indirect, estimation-based method: Examples include emission factors (e.g., "traveling 1 km by electric car is equivalent to X kg of CO₂") and other modeling techniques.
The so-called scope 1, 2, and 3 emission categories are importantfor companies :
Scope 1: direct emissions – e.g., fuel for company vehicles.
Scope 2: indirect emissions – e.g., emissions from the production of purchased electricity.
Scope 3: other indirect emissions in the value chain – e.g., suppliers, transportation, waste.
Accurate measurement and reporting (data collection, regular monitoring) are key to enabling a company to credibly claim that it operates with "zero emissions."
Electric fleet and environmental protection
Introducing an electric company car fleet is one of the most effective ways for companies to reduce their carbon footprint while also saving money in the long term. This is because electric vehicles (EVs) produce no direct emissions, which contributes to improving urban air quality and achieving important national climate goals.
According to data from the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH), the number of electric cars exceeded 90,000 by the end of 2024, and this growth is expected to continue unabated in 2025. At the same time, the electrification of corporate fleets is also accelerating, as companies favor electric vehicles not only for cost efficiency but also because of sustainability reporting obligations (ESG, CSR).
- Noise reduction: EVs are quieter, thus reducing urban noise pollution.
- Energy efficiency: electric motors can be up to 90% efficient, compared to 30-35% for internal combustion engines.
- Integration of sustainable energy sources: when combined with solar panels, electric vehicles can be charged in a truly climate-neutral way.
An electric fleet therefore not only strengthens the corporate image, but also brings real, measurable environmental benefits. In the next section, we will show you how a company car can become emission-free – not just on paper, but in practice.
This is how zero emissions can be achieved for company cars
The term "zero emissions" is often misleading when it comes to corporate car use, as most companies do not measure emissions at the exhaust pipe. It is worth considering the entire process, from energy production to vehicle use. This is called life cycle-based emissions measurement.
An electric car can only be considered a truly zero-emission vehicle if the electricity used to charge it also comes from a renewable source, such as a solar panel system. If a company charges its electric fleet using its own solar infrastructure, emissions can be reduced to zero not only directly (Scope 1) but also indirectly (Scope 2).
Steps in the process:
Securing a renewable energy source: on-site solar park or green energy procurement.
Use of smart charging stations: these regulate the charging rate according to the hours of sunshine, thereby maximizing self-consumption.
Emissions monitoring: the company's emissions report must also document the origin of its electricity, thereby demonstrating zero-emission operation.
It is important to note that emissions measurement for cars is not limited to CO₂ emissions. The effects of maintenance, battery production, and the energy supply chain can also be taken into account, but these are dwarfed by the effects of direct fossil fuel use.
In the case of the SOLARKIT system, for example, solar-powered electric car charging solutions allow vehicles to be charged exclusively from solar energy, enabling the company to operate its fleet with truly zero emissions.
How can an electric vehicle fleet be charged with solar energy in practice?
Charging a company's electric vehicle fleet with solar energy is no longer a goal for the future, but a working, economical reality for more and more companies. The key is to coordinate the right sizing, energy storage, and smart charging management.
1. The basis of the system: solar energy generation
A solar power system installed in the company's own parking lot or premises can provide a significant portion of its daily electricity needs. For example, for a fleet of 10-15 cars, a solar power system with a capacity of 80-100 kW may be sufficient to cover the average daily charging needs.
The electricity generated during the day can be used directly to charge vehicles or for consumption in the building.
2. Energy storage and smart charging
Solar energy production is weather-dependent, so battery energy storage is often used for optimal operation. Such hybrid systems are able to compensate for fluctuations during the day, so that the fleet can be charged even when the solar panels are no longer generating power. Smart charging stations are able to dynamically manage charging priorities—for example, giving priority to charging the most important vehicles when solar energy capacity is limited.
3. Connection and management
Modern charging infrastructure communicates with the solar system and even with the company's ERP system. This allows fleet energy consumption to be measured, optimized, and reported. This type of integrated energy management not only supports zero-emission operation, but also improves return on investment.
4. Practical example
The average annual consumption of an electric car is 2000–2500 kWh, which can be covered by 8–10 m² of solar panels. Thus, the annual charging demand of a fleet of 20 vehicles is approximately 50,000 kWh, which can be covered by an 80–100 kW solar system.
👉 Learn more about how big a solar panel you need to charge your car:
https://shop.solar-kit.eu/en/blog/post/charging-an-electric-vehicle-from-an-off-grid-solar-system
Solar-based charging is therefore not only beneficial from an environmental perspective, but also provides long-term independence and cost stability for companies.
The advantages of solar panel systems in company parking lots
Company parking lots are ideal locations for installing solar panel systems, as they offer large, unused areas where the panels can also provide shade for the cars. Solar-powered parking lots thus serve a dual purpose:
- They generate electricity to charge the car fleet,
- They provide convenience and protection for employees' vehicles.
Utilization of generated energy
The solar panel system installed in the company's parking lots is suitable not only for charging the company's electric car fleet, but also for covering the building's energy needs.
Shading and comfort
Solar-powered parking lots are not only energy-efficient, but also practical: cars are protected from the summer heat, and in the winter months, less frost or snow accumulates on the vehicles. This not only improves employee comfort, but also increases the lifespan of the cars.
Aesthetics and green corporate image
A solar-powered car park also sends a visual message: visitors, customers, and partners can immediately see the company's environmental awareness. Such developments strengthen the company's ESG compliance and help communicate its sustainability.
Overall, solar car parks not only reduce costs but also provide a significant strategic advantage — in the long term, they are one of the most profitable investments in electric fleet operation.
How much does it cost to use solar energy?
The cost of solar-powered electric fleet charging depends on several factors, but the investment is becoming increasingly affordable for both small and large companies. The most important considerations include the system's performance, the type of installation (roof or parking structure), and the energy storage solutions used.
Installation costs
The price of a corporate solar panel system currently ranges between HUF 250,000 and HUF 350,000 per kWp on average, including installation and licensing costs. A 100 kW system therefore requires an investment of between HUF 25 and 35 million, while a larger, 500 kW industrial-scale project can cost around HUF 120-150 million.
Payback period
The return on investment for solar panel systems is on average between 3 and 6 years, but this depends largely on energy prices and the ratio of production to consumption. Companies that use energy during the day, at peak production times (e.g., for charging electric cars), can achieve a return on investment in less than 5 years.
Operation and maintenance
The annual maintenance cost of the system is negligible compared to the return on investment: it amounts to approximately 0.5-1% of the annual investment value. Modern inverters and monitoring systems continuously monitor performance, so maintenance is mainly limited to cleaning and periodic inspections.
What kind of charging infrastructure is needed?
The most important element in operating an electric company car fleet is a well-sized charging network. Charging demand is determined by three factors: the number of cars, daily mileage, and available time.
Companies typically install AC chargers (11–22 kW), which are suitable for charging vehicles used daily during the night or working hours. Charging stations integrated with solar power systems automatically regulate charging to match current energy production.
👉 Learn more about state-of-the-art chargers:
Examples of successful green company fleets in Hungary and abroad
More and more companies are proving that zero-emission transport is not only environmentally friendly, but also economical.
In Hungary, Magyar Posta and Wolt already operate hundreds of electric vehicles, some of which are charged using solar panels.
MOL Plugee's nationwide network is a prime example of corporate charging infrastructure, with solar-powered charging constantly expanding.
Internationally, DHL and IKEA also operate solar-powered logistics centers where electric fleets run exclusively on renewable energy.
A green fleet not only reduces the carbon footprint, but also results in long-term cost stability and a positive corporate image.
SOLARKIT tips for efficient energy use and return on investment
- Combine your solar system with energy storage.
- Use dynamic, smart chargers.
- Measure and optimize consumption – data helps accelerate return on investment.
- Plan for expandable infrastructure.
- Keep track of current subsidies and discounts.
👉 More practical advice: electric car charging costs
FAQ
1. What exactly does zero emissions mean?
It means that there are no direct emissions of harmful substances – such as CO₂ – during operation, either from vehicles or from energy consumption.
2. How long does ittake fora solar charging system to pay for itself?
On average, 3–6 years, but if the company uses the energy generated directly, it can be as little as 5 years.
3. How big of a solar panel system is needed for a company car fleet?
Approximately 3-5 kW of power is needed per car, depending on daily mileage and charging frequency.
4. Is there government support for electric company cars?
Yes, non-repayable subsidies will still be available in 2025.
5. Why is it worth building a solar-powered car park?
Because it provides energy, shade, and a spectacular green image for the company all at once.
