Why Combine Solar with EV Charging?
Free Fuel Forever
Charge your EV with excess solar electricity that would otherwise be exported. Save $1,000+ per year vs petrol.
Zero Carbon Driving
When charged from solar, your EV produces zero emissions. Truly clean transport with no guilt about the electricity source.
Maximum Solar Value
Using solar to charge your EV means using more of your generation yourself, maximising the return on your solar investment.
How Solar EV Charging Works
Solar Panels Generate Power
During daylight hours, your solar panels generate electricity from sunlight.
Home Uses What It Needs
Your home appliances use the solar electricity first for lights, fridge, etc.
Excess Goes to Your EV
A smart charger like Zappi diverts surplus solar to your car instead of exporting it.
Drive on Free Electricity
Your car is charged with free solar power, ready for your next journey.
Typical Solar + EV Setup
Solar EV Charging Modes
Charge Only from Excess Solar
The charger monitors your solar generation and only charges when there's surplus power. Zero cost charging but slower - best for days when car is home.
Savings: 100% free
Prioritise Solar, Top Up from Grid
Uses all available solar first, then tops up from the grid to ensure the car is ready when needed. Good balance of savings and convenience.
Savings: 60-80% free
Smart Tariff + Solar
Combines solar charging during the day with cheap overnight rates. Charge from solar when home, then schedule top-up during off-peak hours.
Savings: Variable
Battery Buffer Charging
Solar charges a home battery during the day, then the battery charges the car in the evening. Maximises self-consumption of solar.
Savings: Up to 100%
Best EV Chargers for Solar
These chargers can integrate with solar to maximise your free charging.
Zappi
7kW / 22kW
£850-1,200
Solar Feature
Eco & Eco+ modes for solar charging
- Market leader for solar integration
- CT clamp monitors solar generation
- Can charge only from excess solar
- Works with any solar system
Ohme Home Pro
7kW
£700-900
Solar Feature
Solar matching via smart tariffs
- Smart tariff integration
- Good app interface
- Works with Octopus Intelligent Go
- Solar scheduling available
Andersen A2
7kW
£1,400-1,800
Solar Feature
Optional solar integration
- Premium design and build quality
- Customisable front panels
- Solar integration with additional hardware
- 5-year warranty
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
7kW / 22kW
£600-850
Solar Feature
Solar charging with Power Boost
- Compact and stylish design
- Good value for features
- Solar charging capability
- Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
Tesla Wall Connector
7kW / 22kW
£450-550
Solar Feature
Integrated with Tesla Powerwall
- Works best with Tesla ecosystem
- Solar charging with Powerwall
- Clean Tesla design
- Competitive pricing
Sizing Your Solar System for EV Charging
How Much Solar Do You Need?
The average EV uses about 3-4 kWh per 10 miles. If you drive 8,000 miles per year, you need approximately 2,400-3,200 kWh for charging.
3kW
~2,700 kWh/year
Light EV use + home
4-5kW
~3,600-4,500 kWh/year
Recommended
6kW+
~5,400+ kWh/year
High mileage + export
The Solar Charging Reality
Most people don't charge 100% from solar because:
- •Your car may not be home during peak generation hours
- •Winter generation is lower when driving needs may be higher
- •Some electricity goes to running the home
Typically, you can expect 40-70% of your EV charging to come from solar, with the rest from off-peak grid rates.
Should You Add a Home Battery?
Pros of Adding Battery
- Charge EV in evening from daytime solar
- Store cheap overnight electricity
- Power home during outages
- Maximise self-consumption
Considerations
- •Adds $4,000-8,000 to system cost
- •Longer payback period
- •Your EV battery is already a big battery
- •Smart charger + tariff may be enough
Get Free Solar Quotes
Compare prices from CEC-certified installers in Australia. Free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your home.