I had to have my kitchen light removed and relocated approximately one metre closer to the window.
Yes, you can charge an electric car using free electricity generated by your solar panels, provided your system produces enough power.
Solar EV charging is a great way to make the most of your existing panels, but you'll need to consider when you're at home and when your car needs charging. At DNA Power Solutions, home EV charger installations typically cost around £800–£1,200, depending on the charger and installation requirements. Adding battery storage will cost extra, but it could help you use more of your own solar electricity.
How does solar EV charging work?
If you've already got solar panels on your roof, you're halfway there! During daylight hours, your panels generate electricity that can power your home. Any surplus electricity can be used to charge your electric car, stored in a home battery or exported back to the grid.
To make the most of solar EV charging, you'll need a compatible home charging setup and an inverter that converts the electricity generated by your panels into a form your home can use. The amount of electricity available depends on your system's size, the weather, the time of year and how much electricity your household uses. You'll generally generate more solar power during the brighter months, while winter production can be considerably lower.
Can you charge your electric car completely for free?
You can charge your car using solar electricity without paying for that electricity from the grid, once your solar installation has been paid for. However, whether you can charge entirely from solar depends on how much energy your panels generate and when you need to charge.
If your car is parked at home during the day, you may be able to use surplus solar power directly. If you're out at work or need to charge overnight, you could end up relying on electricity from the grid instead. That's where battery storage can make a real difference.
Why a home battery could be worth considering
We recently heard from a homeowner on York Road in Corby who had solar panels installed by us three years ago. They were now looking to add an EV charger and wanted to know whether their existing panels could charge their new electric car.
The homeowner works shifts, meaning they aren't always at home during daylight hours when their panels generate the most electricity. We advised that adding a home battery would be the best option for their circumstances.
A battery stores surplus solar electricity generated during the day, allowing you to use it later when your car needs charging. Rather than exporting all that excess electricity to the grid, you can keep more of it for your own use. For homeowners with busy schedules, solar EV charging combined with battery storage can offer greater flexibility, although the amount available depends on your battery capacity and solar generation.
Is solar EV charging always the cheapest option?
Not necessarily! Although using your own solar electricity can reduce your charging costs, it's worth comparing your options.
Some electricity tariffs offer cheaper overnight charging, which might work out better than using solar electricity that you could otherwise export to the grid for payment. A smart EV charger can help you make better use of available solar power, while a compatible battery can give you more flexibility.
The best setup depends on your driving habits, electricity tariff, solar system and when you need to charge your car. That's why it's worth looking at the bigger picture rather than assuming you need every available upgrade.
Get more from your solar panels with DNA Power Solutions
If you've already invested in solar panels or you're thinking about installing an electric vehicle charger, it's worth exploring how the two can work together.
Solar EV charging can be a great way to reduce your reliance on grid electricity and make more use of the energy your panels generate. Contact us today on 01536 505720 or via our contact form to discuss solar EV charging in Corby and arrange your free, no-obligation quote.