Ok, tell me how my preconceived notions about off-grid solar charging don't apply here. What I skimmed in the article was mostly about the project happening but not much about the details.
The way I see it, a grid-connected solar system can put virtually every bit of solar energy to use when it's needed most (air conditioners are running, people are doing their people-y things, whatever). Cars can charge pretty much whenever, but it's often easiest to do while we're sleeping (and, conveniently, demand is at its lowest). This makes for a nice harmony, but when you try to cut out the middle man you actually lose out on quite a bit. That power is only usable if someone is plugged in and charging. You can't charge overnight if you don't have some kind of grid connection. You really end up creating more problems than you solve.
So, to maybe answer my own questions with other questions,
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Would the scale of solar + multiple cars charging mean that energy doesn't go to waste, compared to a single car at home?
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Is this in an area of South Africa where a reliable grid connection just isn't feasible?
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Is it really feasible to charge only when the sun is out in a situation like this? I suppose it mentions "ultra fast charging" so we're not talking about waiting hours for a charge like in a level 2 setup