Rohit's team in Pune had never quoted an EV charging station before. But when a fleet operator in Chakan asked if they could combine his planned 10kW solar system with a charging point for his 15 delivery vehicles, Rohit said yes, figured it out in 48 hours, and closed a ₹14 lakh project, his largest single residential-to-commercial conversion that year.
The solar + EV charging combination is not a niche anymore. It is the natural next step for any EPC who has already cracked commercial solar and wants to expand their average order value without adding significant complexity to their operations.
This post lays out the full model: the market context, who to sell to, how the ROI works, the named framework EPCs are using to pitch this, and what DISCOM and regulatory requirements you need to know before your first proposal.
Key Takeaway: A 10kW solar system powering a 7.2kW AC EV charger for a commercial fleet operator delivers free daytime charging, eliminating ₹8,000–20,000/month in electricity costs for the fleet. For the EPC, bundling solar + EV charging into a single project increases deal value by 40–80% and captures a segment with near-zero EPC-level competition in tier-2 cities. The Solar-EV Bundle is the commercial upsell of 2026.
Why Solar + EV Charging Is a Real Business Opportunity Right Now
India's EV Market Is Accelerating, But Charging Infrastructure Is Lagging
India sold approximately 1.9 million EVs in FY2025 according to VAHAN registration data, growing at roughly 50% year-over-year. The dominant segments are:
- Electric 2-wheelers: 60%+ of EV sales (Ola Electric, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather)
- Electric 3-wheelers: 25%+ of EV sales (primarily delivery and passenger e-rickshaws)
- Electric 4-wheelers: Growing, Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor, Tata Punch EV leading the market
- Electric commercial vehicles (LCVs, buses): Rapid fleet electrification driven by FAME II and state mandates
The problem: public charging infrastructure remains sparse in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Fleet operators, delivery companies, e-rickshaw depot owners, corporate shuttle operators, are largely charging from their own premises using standard 5A plugs, which is slow and inefficient. This is the opening.
The Commercial Fleet Charging Problem
A fleet of 15 electric delivery vehicles (e-bikes or small LCVs) each needing 20–30 kWh/day means 300–450 kWh/day of charging demand. At ₹8–10/unit (commercial tariff in Maharashtra, Karnataka, UP), that is ₹2,400–4,500/day in electricity cost, or ₹70,000–1,35,000/month. A 10–20kW solar system covers a significant portion of this during the day when vehicles return from morning shifts.
The Solar-EV Bundle: A 3-Component Sales Framework
This is the named framework that top EPCs in Pune, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad are using to pitch solar + EV charging as a single, coherent project. It removes the "which contractor do I hire for what" confusion and positions the EPC as the complete solution provider.
Component 1: The Solar Generation Layer
The solar PV system is sized primarily for the EV charging load, with excess routed to the building or exported to the grid. Key sizing principle: the solar array should cover 60–80% of the daily EV charging energy requirement during the day, with grid as the backup.
For a 10kW system in a high-irradiation state (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan):
- Daily generation: 40–50 kWh
- EV charging coverage: 30–40 kWh (covering 3–6 vehicle charges per day)
Component 2: The Charging Layer
An AC Level 2 charger (7.2 kW, Type 2 or CCS2 connector) is the standard recommendation for commercial premises. It charges a car battery in 4–8 hours, ideal for overnight depot charging or daytime workplace charging.
For two-wheeler and three-wheeler fleets, a 3.3kW AC charger (similar to a home EV charger) is sufficient and cheaper to install.
Component 3: The Management Layer
A smart energy management system (EMS) or even a basic load controller ensures that EV charging is prioritised when solar is available, and deprioritised (or throttled) during grid peak tariff hours. This is the piece most EPCs skip, and it is what delivers the 20–30% additional savings that make the ROI numbers work.
System Configurations: What to Quote for Different Customers
| Customer Type | Solar Size | Charger | Battery Storage | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing society (10–20 cars) | 10–15kW | 2×7.2kW AC | Optional 10kWh | ₹8–12L |
| Corporate office (parking) | 15–25kW | 4×7.2kW AC | Recommended 20kWh | ₹16–22L |
| E-bike/e-rickshaw fleet depot | 10–20kW | 8–16×3.3kW | Optional | ₹9–16L |
| Petrol pump conversion | 20–30kW | 2×25kW DC fast charger | Optional 30kWh | ₹25–40L |
| LCV commercial fleet (MSME) | 10–15kW | 2×7.2kW AC | 10–20kWh | ₹12–18L |
Who to Sell To: Target Segments
High-Value Target Segments
- Commercial fleet operators, Delivery companies (Delhivery, Ekart, local MSME logistics) transitioning to EVs
- Petrol pump owners, Mandated to add EV charging by 2025 (MoPNG circular); already have space and load infrastructure
- Housing societies, Gated communities in Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad with 50+ car parking
- Corporate offices with large parking lots, ESG mandates and employee EV benefit policies driving demand
- Hotels and resorts, EV charging as a guest amenity; solar reduces operating costs simultaneously
- Schools and educational institutions, School bus fleet electrification + charging infrastructure
Segments to Approach Carefully
- Individual home EV charging, low ticket size, simple enough that solar+EV adds little complexity premium
- Public highway charging stations, requires DC fast chargers (50–150kW), complex grid integration, MoP approval; not suitable for small EPCs
- Multi-brand EV charging networks, aggregator models with thin margins and high capex requirements
- Customers without adequate rooftop space (less than 50 sqm shadow-free area for 10kW)
- States with restrictive net metering caps, check net metering 25kW cap implications for commercial systems
ROI Calculation: Two Customer Scenarios
Scenario 1: Corporate Office with 20 Employee EVs (Pune)
- Current situation: 20 employees charge their EVs at home (cost borne by employee) or at office using grid power; company wants to offer charging as a benefit and reduce its electricity bill simultaneously
- Solar system: 20kW rooftop solar, generates 80–100 kWh/day (Pune irradiation: 5.2 PSH)
- EV charger setup: 4 × 7.2kW AC chargers (alternating schedule, 8 cars charged per day)
- Daily solar EV coverage: 80 kWh covers ~4 full car charges (20 kWh each) per day
- Electricity bill saving: ₹80 kWh/day × ₹8/unit × 300 days = ₹1.92 lakh/year from grid displacement
- EV charging saving: Free charging benefit worth ₹8,000/month in avoided public charging costs for employees
- Accelerated depreciation: 40% in year 1, see accelerated depreciation for solar for the tax math
System cost: ₹18–22 lakh (20kW solar + 4 chargers + smart EMS)
Annual savings: ₹2.5–3.5 lakh (electricity + charging benefit + demand charge reduction)
Payback: 5–7 years (3–4 years with accelerated depreciation tax benefit)
For commercial customers with complex tariff structures, understanding how much of the bill comes from demand charges vs. energy is critical, our solar ROI calculation for commercial customers guide shows how to model this correctly.
Scenario 2: E-Rickshaw Depot with 30 Vehicles (Varanasi)
- Current situation: 30 e-rickshaws, each needing 12–15 kWh/day charging; owner paying ₹6–8/unit on commercial tariff = ₹2,700–3,600/day = ₹80,000–1,08,000/month
- Solar system: 15kW rooftop, generates 60–75 kWh/day (UP irradiation: 5.0–5.5 PSH)
- Charger setup: 10 × 3.3kW AC chargers (30 vehicles on 3-shift charging rotation)
- Solar coverage: 60 kWh/day covers 4–5 full e-rickshaw charges; remaining 25 vehicles on grid
- Monthly electricity saving: 60 kWh/day × ₹7/unit × 30 = ₹12,600/month from solar
- DG backup optional: Small 5kWh battery covers charging during 2-hour grid cut in UP
System cost: ₹10–13 lakh (15kW solar + 10 chargers + basic monitoring)
Monthly saving: ₹12,000–15,000
Payback: 5–6 years, improves further as electricity tariffs rise
For the full state-by-state payback calculation methodology, see our solar payback period by state guide.
MNRE EV Charging Guidelines and DISCOM Requirements
BEE and MoP Standards: All EV charging stations must comply with BEE's EV charging standards. AC Level 2 chargers (7.2kW) must use Type 2 connectors (Mennekes) for 4-wheelers and the Bharat AC001 connector for 2-wheelers/3-wheelers. DC fast chargers must support CCS2 and CHAdeMO.
DISCOM Load Sanction: A solar + EV charging setup adds significant load. A 4×7.2kW charger bank adds 29kW of demand. Most DISCOMs require a new load sanction application if the additional load exceeds 10% of the existing sanctioned load. Factor this into your project timeline, load sanction can take 30–90 days.
Net Metering: Solar + EV charging can still qualify for net metering if the solar system is grid-connected. The EV charging load is simply a self-consumption load, what solar generates in excess of EV charging is exported. This is the cleanest setup for most commercial customers.
State-Level Policy for Solar + EV Charging (2026)
| State | EV Charging Policy | Special Solar+EV Incentive | Net Metering Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | EV Policy 2021, charging infra targets in cities | Reduced ToD tariff for EV charging (MSEDCL) | Up to sanctioned load |
| Karnataka | EV Policy 2017 (updated 2022), BESCOM EV tariff | BESCOM EV ToD tariff ₹5–6/unit (off-peak) | 500kW (commercial) |
| Delhi | EV Policy 2020, 20% EV penetration by 2024 | Charging station capex subsidy via FAME | 1MW (commercial) |
| Tamil Nadu | TANGEDCO EV tariff policy active | TANGEDCO EV tariff ₹4.5/unit | 1MW (commercial) |
| Rajasthan | EV Policy 2022, Jaipur focus | Capital subsidy on charging equipment | Up to sanctioned load |
FAME Subsidies for EV Charging Infrastructure
Under FAME II Phase 2, the Indian government provided capital subsidies for public EV charging stations, primarily DC fast chargers (₹5–10 lakh per station) targeted at highways and public locations. For private/captive charging infrastructure (fleet depots, housing societies, corporate offices), FAME II subsidies generally do not apply directly.
However, state-level EV policies in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu do provide capital subsidies on EV charger procurement for private fleet operators, typically ₹10,000–50,000 per charger depending on the scheme.
What this means for EPCs: When pitching a fleet depot or corporate project, check the state's EV policy for applicable charger subsidies. The solar portion is not FAME-eligible, but the charger hardware often is. This reduces the customer's effective project cost and improves your close rate.
Pricing and Margin for Solar + EV Charging Projects
| Project Component | Cost to EPC | Typical Selling Price | Gross Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10kW solar rooftop (turnkey) | ₹4.5–5L | ₹5.5–6.5L | 18–25% |
| 2 × 7.2kW AC charger (supply + install) | ₹1.2–1.8L | ₹2–2.8L | 25–35% |
| Basic EMS / load controller | ₹25,000–40,000 | ₹50,000–75,000 | 40–50% |
| Civil and electrical works (extra DB, conduit) | ₹30,000–60,000 | ₹50,000–90,000 | 30–40% |
| Bundled project (10kW solar + 2 chargers + EMS) | ₹6.5–7.5L | ₹8.5–10L | 25–30% |
The EV charger hardware carries higher margins than solar, partly because there is less price transparency (customers cannot easily compare charger prices the way they can compare solar panel prices per watt) and partly because installation expertise commands a premium. This is the margin benefit of adding the EV layer to your solar projects.
How EPCs Can Bundle Solar + EV Charging as One Project
The key to closing solar + EV bundles is presenting them as a single integrated project rather than two separate scopes. Customers who receive two separate quotations, one for solar, one for EV charging, tend to unbundle them: they go ahead with solar (which they were already considering) and defer EV charging. The Solar-EV Bundle only works as a deal when it is presented as one line: "Solar + EV Charging System, ₹9.5 lakh installed, covering both your rooftop solar and your vehicle charging infrastructure."
Here is how to operationally execute this as an EPC:
- Find an EV charger supply partner: Identify a reliable charger hardware supplier in your city (Tata Power EV, Delta Electronics, Exicom, Okaya EV, or local distributors). Negotiate bulk pricing for 10+ units/month. You do not need to manufacture or service the charger, just supply and install.
- Get BEE-certified installers or train your team: BEE has a certification program for EV charging installation. One trained electrician on your team is sufficient for most AC charger installations. DC fast charger installation requires more expertise and grid approval.
- Load calculation first: Before quoting, confirm the customer's existing sanctioned load. If adding 4×7.2kW chargers would exceed the sanctioned load, file for a load enhancement, and quote accordingly, factoring in the DISCOM application cost and timeline.
- Single scope of work, single GST invoice: The project should be contracted and invoiced as a single solar + EV charging system. This simplifies the customer's accounting, your billing, and the financing application (if any). See our guide to solar EPC business structure for how to set up project contracts for composite scopes.
- Use QuickEstimate for the combined proposal: QuickEstimate lets you add custom line items for EV charger hardware, EV charger installation, and EMS alongside standard solar line items. The single proposal with a unified ROI section (showing combined electricity + charging savings) is what closes the deal. The right CRM tool makes quoting complex bundles as simple as quoting standard solar.
How Solar-EV Compares to Solar-Only and Storage-Only
| Factor | Solar Only | Solar + Storage | Solar + EV Charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg project value (commercial) | ₹5–8L | ₹9–14L | ₹9–22L |
| Gross margin | 18–22% | 22–28% | 25–32% |
| EPC competition (tier-2 cities) | Very high | Moderate | Very low |
| Customer ROI clarity | High (well-understood) | High (DG replacement) | High (free EV charging) |
| Installation complexity | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Regulatory approval needed | Net metering | Net metering | Net metering + load sanction |
| Best customer segment | All commercial | Power-cut zones | Fleet operators, offices, societies |
For solar-only commercial sizing guidance, see our solar system sizing guide. For a deeper look at battery storage as a standalone add-on, our solar + storage business guide covers the full LFP pricing and ROI framework.
External Resources for EPCs
- FAME II Portal, Heavy Industries Ministry, official scheme details and eligible models
- VAHAN Dashboard, EV Registration Data, real-time EV sales and registration by state
- BEE EV Charging Standards, connector types, safety norms, installer certification
- IEA Global EV Outlook 2025, India-specific EV market data and projections
- NITI Aayog Transport, EV Roadmap, government EV infrastructure targets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can solar panels fully power an EV charging station in India?
Partially, during the day. A 10kW solar system generates 40–50 kWh/day in most Indian states. A 7.2kW AC charger running for 6 hours charges one car fully (using about 43 kWh). So a 10kW solar system can effectively cover one full car charge per day, or partial charging for 3–4 vehicles. For fleet applications, solar covers the daytime charging load while grid supplements evening or night charging. Adding battery storage extends solar coverage into the evening.
What approvals are needed to install an EV charging station in India?
For private/captive EV charging (fleet depot, housing society, corporate office): no licence is required under MoP's revised 2019 guidelines. You need the DISCOM's approval for the electrical load addition, and your chargers must be BEE-certified. For public commercial charging stations (petrol pump, highway), you need to comply with BEE standards, PESO (if using dispensers), and potentially local municipal/fire NOC for the installation. The solar component requires standard net metering approval from the DISCOM.
Is there GST on EV charger installation in India?
EV charging equipment (HSN 8504) attracts 18% GST on the hardware. EV charging station installation services are taxed at 18% as well (SAC 998712). This is higher than solar panel and inverter GST (12%). When quoting a solar + EV bundle, break out the GST by component so the customer clearly sees the tax treatment. Commercial customers can claim ITC on both components.
What is the best EV charger for a fleet depot in India?
For a mixed fleet (2-wheelers + LCV/4-wheelers): a combination of 3.3kW AC chargers (Bharat AC001 socket for 2W/3W) and 7.2kW AC chargers (Type 2 for 4W) is the most cost-effective setup. Brands like Exicom, Delta, Okaya EV, and Tata Power EV have strong service networks in tier-2 cities. DC fast chargers (25–50kW) make sense only if the vehicles have rapid charging capability and you have a load sanction for the peak demand.
How do I size a solar system for EV charging?
Size the solar array to cover 60–80% of the daily EV charging energy requirement. Calculate: number of vehicles × average daily charging requirement per vehicle (kWh) × 0.7 (accounting for losses and overnight charging on grid) = target solar daily generation. Divide by the site's Peak Sun Hours (PSH) to get required solar capacity in kW. For example: 10 e-bikes × 3 kWh × 0.7 = 21 kWh/day needed from solar ÷ 5 PSH = 4.2kW minimum solar. Round up to the next standard system size (5kW).
Can a petrol pump install solar + EV charging in India?
Yes, and they are often mandated to. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has directed existing petrol pumps to add EV charging infrastructure. Many pump owners are combining this with a rooftop solar installation to offset the increased electricity bill from running chargers. Typical setup: 20–30kW solar + 2 DC fast chargers (25kW each). The solar system is funded from the electricity savings and FAME/state subsidies on charger hardware reduce the charger capex.
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