Solar Panels and Electric Vehicles

If you’re thinking of purchasing an EV, or you already own one, you may have also thought about how you’ll keep it charged without watching your electricity bills increase. Well, for many UK homeowners, solar panels could be part of the answer.

Solar panels and electric vehicles can actually work really well together, though you will need a compatible home EV charger. Your panels generate electricity right on your rooftop, while your EV needs electricity to get you from A to B. So when you use more of your own solar energy to charge your car, you can buy less electricity from the grid and make better use of the energy your solar panels produce at home.

Why Do Solar Panels and EV’s Go Hand in Hand?

It’s actually pretty simple. Your solar panels generate electricity from daylight, and your electric car needs electricity rather than petrol or diesel. So, when your panels produce energy, you can use some of it to charge your EV. Instead of sending all of your excess solar energy back to the grid, you could use it to power your car. 

Your car most probably won’t always be sitting at home when the sun is shining, and solar generation can vary throughout the year. Introducing: battery storage. It’s a very simple solution that can save you a lot of time and make the most of your renewable energy (more on this below).

Why Choosing the Right EV Charger Matters

Choosing a compatible EV charger and having it installed by a professional is an important part of the process. The right charger can help you make better use of the energy your panels generate and get the most from your solar panels, instead of relying on the grid whenever you want to charge your car.

Our smart chargers work directly with your solar panels and battery, and prioritise charging your car straight from the energy being generated on your roof. Getting the right combination from the start can make charging your car simpler, more efficient, and much better suited to the way you use your car. 

Is Battery Storage Worth Considering?

The short answer: absolutely. When you install solar battery storage with your solar panels, you can store electricity your solar panels are creating that your house isn’t using or while you’re out of the house. That means, once the sun sets or at a later date, you can use that stored energy to power your home, rather than buying electricity from the grid. 

Not only does this make better use of the energy your panels produce, but it can also help to significantly reduce energy bills.

What Are The Benefits of Charging an EV with Solar Panels?

One of the biggest attractions when you combine solar panels with an EV is the potential to reduce your energy and charging costs. When you use your own solar electricity, you buy less electricity from your supplier, which in turn will help to lower your overall household energy bills. Over time, these savings can really add up, although exactly how much will, of course, depend on your driving habits, when you charge, the size of your solar panel system and how much electricity your home uses.

There’s also the benefit of moving away from unpredictable fuel costs. When you own an EV, you don’t have to keep paying out for petrol or diesel, and generating some of the electricity your home needs can give you even more control over your energy costs.

Want to find out whether solar could work for your home? Book your free solar consultation today to start your journey towards cleaner, renewable energy.

Is Your Home Suitable?

There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to solar panels and EV charging. Have a look at your typical day. How many miles do you typically drive? When would you normally charge your car? How much electricity does your home use? Would you need battery storage to charge your EV with solar power?

Your daily routine can really make a big difference to how much of your solar energy you’re able to use for charging. That’s why a proper solar consultation is so important. Not sure where to start? Book a solar consultation, and we’ll help you explore your options.

The Environmental Benefits

There’s more to the solar and EV combination than just saving money (although it’s definitely a bonus).

As we know, solar panels generate renewable electricity right at home, while EV’s can help reduce the emissions associated with everyday transport. By using your own solar generation to charge your car, you’re making better use of renewable energy and reducing your reliance on electricity from the grid.

For homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and make their property and vehicle a little greener, it’s a straightforward combination that can make a real difference over the long term.

A Smart Combination For Your Home

Solar panels and electric vehicles really do complement each other well. Your panels generate the electricity; your EV gives you a useful way to put some of that energy to work. Every home and household is different, so it’s important to get proper advice before making a decision.

Ready to see what solar panels could do for your home? Book a free solar consultation today to find out more.