EV Charging from Solar Energy

Charge Your Electric Vehicle with Clean, Free Solar Power

EV charging from solar energy allows you to power your electric vehicle using the electricity generated by your own solar panels. Instead of relying solely on grid electricity, your EV can be charged using surplus solar energy produced during the day, reducing charging costs and lowering your carbon footprint.

By combining solar panels, battery storage (optional), and a compatible smart EV charger, you gain greater control over how and when your vehicle charges.

How Solar EV Charging Works

During daylight hours, your solar panels generate electricity for your home. If your property is producing more power than it is using, that surplus energy can either:

  • Be exported back to the grid, or

  • Be diverted to charge your EV

With the right EV charger and system configuration, your vehicle can automatically prioritise solar power, ensuring it uses clean energy first before drawing from the grid.

Compatible EV Chargers

Some EV chargers are specifically designed to integrate with solar systems.

Solar-Compatible EV Chargers:

  • Work with power diverters

  • Adjust charging speed based on available solar energy

  • Automatically vary power input from low to high

  • Ensure your vehicle only uses surplus solar power

These smart chargers continuously monitor how much excess electricity your system is generating and match the charging rate accordingly. If clouds reduce solar output, charging slows down. When solar production increases, charging speeds up.

This ensures:

  • Maximum use of renewable energy

  • Minimal reliance on grid electricity

  • Optimised charging efficiency

Charging Options Explained

Solar-Only Mode

Your EV charges exclusively using surplus solar energy.
Charging pauses if there is no excess generation.

Best for: Maximising savings and sustainability.

Solar Priority Mode

Solar energy is used first. If more power is needed, the grid supplements the difference.

Best for: Faster charging while still reducing grid use.

Timed / Off-Peak Charging

Your EV charges overnight using cheaper electricity tariffs.

Best for: Households on time-of-use energy tariffs.

Benefits of Charging Your EV with Solar

✔ Lower charging costs
✔ Reduced carbon emissions
✔ Greater energy independence
✔ Protection from rising electricity prices
✔ Smarter use of your solar investment

Charging an EV at home using solar can significantly reduce per-mile driving costs compared to petrol or diesel vehicles.

Adding Battery Storage

Pairing your solar system with battery storage allows you to:

  • Store excess solar energy generated during the day

  • Charge your EV in the evening using stored solar power

  • Reduce peak-time grid usage

This increases flexibility and maximises the value of your system.

Is Solar EV Charging Right for You?

Solar EV charging is ideal if you:

  • Own or plan to purchase an electric vehicle

  • Have solar panels installed (or are considering them)

  • Want to reduce fuel and energy costs

  • Are looking to lower your carbon footprint

System suitability depends on roof size, solar capacity, charging habits, and daily energy usage.

Future-Proof Your Home

With the rapid growth of electric vehicles and rising energy prices, combining solar panels with EV charging is one of the most effective ways to future-proof your home.

Whether you're installing a new solar system or upgrading an existing one, integrating a solar-compatible EV charger ensures you maximise your renewable energy potential.