In short: if your car is at home during the day, solar can cover a useful share of your driving for free. If it is usually away, a cheap overnight EV tariff plus a battery often works better.
How it works
A “solar-aware” home charger can watch how much your panels are producing and charge the car using only the spare power. On a sunny day that can add a good number of miles. On cloudy days and in winter, the charger tops up from the grid.
Who it suits best
- People who work from home, or whose car is often parked at home in daylight.
- Homes with a 4 kW or larger system and spare roof space.
- Second cars used for short local trips.
If your car is away during the day
Many energy suppliers offer EV tariffs with very cheap overnight electricity. Charging the car at night and using a battery to store daytime solar for the evening can save more than trying to charge from the panels directly.
What to ask your installer
- Can the charger use only spare solar power, and does it work with my inverter?
- Will my fuse and main supply cope with the charger, panels and battery together?
- Is it worth fitting panels, battery and charger at the same time to save on installation?
Planning panels and an EV charger?
Get quotes from installers who fit both.