Solar Panels and EV Charging: The Perfect Combination

Combining solar panels with an electric vehicle creates a powerful synergy – you can generate your own clean electricity and use it to power your car, dramatically reducing both your carbon footprint and running costs. This guide explains how to make the most of solar-powered EV charging.

The Benefits of Solar + EV

• Free fuel: Once installed, solar electricity costs nothing
• Energy independence: Less reliance on the grid and volatile energy prices
• Zero emissions: Truly clean transportation
• Increased solar value: Use more of what you generate instead of exporting
• Lower payback period: Solar pays for itself faster when you use more electricity

How Much Solar Do You Need?

The average UK driver covers about 7,400 miles per year. An efficient EV uses roughly 3-4 miles per kWh, meaning you need about 2,000-2,500 kWh annually for driving.

A typical 4kW solar system in the UK generates around 3,400 kWh per year. So a modest solar installation can theoretically power all your driving – though timing is the challenge.

The Timing Challenge

Solar panels generate most electricity during the day when the sun is shining. But most people charge their EVs overnight when they're home. Solutions include:

Smart Charging

Some EV chargers can detect when solar generation exceeds household use and automatically charge your car with the excess. Brands like Ohme, Zappi, and Wallbox offer this feature.

Battery Storage

A home battery stores excess solar generation for use later – including overnight EV charging. Adds cost but maximises solar self-consumption.

Daytime Charging

If you work from home or can charge at work, you may be able to charge during peak solar hours.

Weekend Charging

Many people can do most of their charging on sunny weekend days when they're home.

Solar-Aware EV Chargers

Myenergi Zappi

The market leader for solar integration. Can charge only from excess solar, boost with grid power, or charge at full speed. Works with Myenergi's Eddi for hot water diversion too.

Ohme Home Pro

Integrates with solar systems and smart tariffs. Can optimise charging based on solar generation and electricity prices.

Wallbox Pulsar Plus

With Wallbox's solar integration, can prioritise solar charging when generation is high.

Economics

Let's compare the cost of charging an EV different ways (assuming 2,500 kWh/year for driving):

• Grid electricity (30p/kWh): £750/year
• Off-peak tariff (10p/kWh): £250/year
• Solar (free): £0/year

Even if you only charge 50% from solar, you're saving £375/year compared to standard grid rates.

Installation Considerations

For optimal solar-EV integration:

• Ensure your solar inverter can communicate with your EV charger (or use a compatible energy monitor)
• Consider a solar-aware charger like Zappi
• Size your solar system with EV charging in mind
• Consider battery storage for maximum flexibility
• Ensure your electrical supply can handle both solar and EV charging

Our EV charger installation service includes solar integration options.

Conclusion

Solar panels and electric vehicles are a natural pairing that maximises the benefits of both technologies. With the right equipment and setup, you can drive on sunshine – clean, free, and independent of volatile energy prices.