Can I Charge My EV From Solar Panels?
How solar-compatible EV chargers work, what to expect in a typical Surrey home and how to get the most from solar and EV charging together.
The short answer
Yes. If you have solar PV, the electricity it generates can be used to charge your car, either directly through a solar-aware charger or simply by scheduling charging for times when your panels are generating.
Solar-compatible chargers
Some chargers, such as the myenergi zappi, include modes that monitor what your solar system is exporting and divert that surplus into the car instead of sending it to the grid.
Other smart chargers can be integrated with solar systems or controlled via schedules. Compatibility depends on the charger and your existing inverter and monitoring equipment.
Setting realistic expectations
Solar output varies with season, weather and roof orientation. In winter or on cloudy days, solar alone may not supply much charging, so most households combine solar charging with off-peak grid charging.
If your car is usually away during daylight hours, a home battery or a smart tariff may matter more than solar diversion.
Planning a solar-compatible installation
Tell us about your solar system when you enquire — the inverter brand and whether you have a battery are helpful. We will recommend a charger and set-up that works with what you already have.