The shift towards electric vehicles is accelerating. With over 1.36 million fully electric cars on UK roads as of December 2024, they now make up over 4% of all cars. EVs also account for 18.7% of all new car sales in 2024 – nearly triple the share from 2022. But as EVs become ever more popular, motorists are also increasingly concerned about energy costs and charging infrastructure.
What’s the smartest solution? It’s simple: set up your own charging infrastructure at home by pairing your EV with solar energy. This will allow you to power your vehicle using the sun’s renewable energy while cutting costs and reducing your carbon footprint – a win-win situation for the environment and your wallet!
In this guide, we’ll explore how home solar panels can provide a reliable energy source for EV charging, what you need to set up a solar-powered charging system, and the financial incentives available in the UK to make this investment even more worthwhile.
Why Charge Your EV with Solar?
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at home is already more cost-effective than relying on public charging stations or fuels like petrol or diesel. However, integrating solar energy can further enhance these savings. Instead of drawing power from the grid, where electricity costs have been rising due to the energy price cap increasing by 10% in October 2024, you can take advantage of free, renewable energy generated by your solar panels.
Here are some of the key benefits of solar-powered EV charging:
- Significant Cost Savings – With energy prices fluctuating, generating your own electricity can lead to substantial long-term savings. A typical EV driver in the UK spends around £800 per year on charging from the grid. By using solar power, you can slash this cost significantly – potentially reducing it to near zero if your system generates enough surplus energy.
- Lower Carbon Footprint – While EVs are far cleaner than petrol or diesel cars, charging them with electricity from fossil fuel sources still contributes to emissions indirectly. By using solar power, you can eliminate this reliance, making your EV a truly emissions-free and eco-friendly option!
- Energy Independence – Having access to your own solar power means you’re less affected by grid price hikes and power shortages, giving you greater control over your energy use.
- Increased Property Value – Installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points can significantly enhance your property’s value. A study by Riverdale Leasing analysed 1,000 homes across 50 UK areas and found that 76% of properties with an EV charger showed an increase in value compared to the local average, the average increase being an impressive £50,595!
How Does Solar-Powered EV Charging Work?
At its core, charging your EV with solar energy works by harnessing sunlight through your home’s solar panels, converting it into electricity, and directing it to your EV charger. There are a few key components that make this system work efficiently:
1. Solar Panels
The first step is installing a high-quality solar panel system to generate electricity. The size of your system will determine how much energy you can produce. A standard UK home with a 4kW solar panel system can generate around 3,400 kWh per year, which is enough to drive an EV for over 10,000 miles annually.
2. Solar Inverter & Energy Management
A solar inverter converts the electricity generated by your panels into a form that can be used by your home and EV. Some advanced systems also include smart energy management software, which ensures your EV is charged when solar production is at its highest, maximising efficiency.
3. Home EV Charger
Not all EV chargers are the same, so it’s essential to choose one that’s compatible with solar integration. Many smart EV chargers, such as the Zappi EV charger that we use here at Entire Renewables, can automatically prioritise solar energy over grid electricity, making the charging process seamless and cost-efficient.
4. Battery Storage (Optional but Recommended)
While solar panels generate electricity during the day, many EV owners need to charge their vehicles overnight. Installing a solar battery storage system allows you to store excess energy produced during the day and use it later, ensuring that even nighttime charging is powered by solar instead of the grid!
Optimising Solar Charging for Maximum Efficiency
Switching to solar-powered EV charging is a game-changer for reducing energy costs and increasing sustainability, but to get the most out of your solar setup, it’s important to optimise when and how you charge your vehicle. Factors like the time of day, energy storage, and smart charging technology all play a role in ensuring your EV runs on the cleanest, most cost-effective energy possible. Here are our top tips:
- Charge During Peak Solar Hours – The best time to charge your EV using solar is between 10 AM and 4 PM, when sunlight is strongest. Smart chargers can help automate this process, ensuring your car charges when the most energy is available.
- Use a Smart Charging System – Some modern chargers can dynamically adjust charging based on real-time solar production, ensuring that as much energy as possible comes from your panels rather than the grid.
- Consider a Larger Solar Panel System – If you drive frequently, installing additional panels may be necessary to generate enough energy to meet both your home’s and your EV’s energy needs.
Financial Incentives for Solar EV Charging in the UK
Investing in a solar-powered EV charging system isn’t just great for the environment – it also comes with financial perks, thanks to the UK government’s continued commitment to Net Zero! Motorists and homeowners can take advantage of various government incentives designed to lower upfront costs and maximise long-term savings. Let’s take a closer look at the key incentives available to UK homeowners.
- 0% VAT on Solar Installations – Homeowners installing solar panels and battery storage benefit from 0% VAT, making the upfront investment more affordable.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – Any excess solar energy you generate but don’t use can be sold back to the grid under the SEG scheme, helping offset the cost of your installation over time.
- EV ChargePoint Grants – If you’re installing a new EV charger at home, you may qualify for a £350 grant under the EV Chargepoint Grant for renters or homeowners.
Choosing the Right Installer for Solar EV Charging
To ensure a seamless and efficient installation, it’s essential to work with a professional solar installer who has experience integrating EV charging solutions. Here’s what to look for when selecting an installer:
- Expertise in EV Charging Integration – Not all solar installers are experienced in EV charging solutions. Look for a company that understands how to optimise your system for both home and vehicle energy needs.
- High-Quality Components – Ensure the installer uses reputable solar panels, inverters, and EV chargers, such as SolarEdge panels and Zappi chargers, which are known for their efficiency and reliability.
- Customised Solutions – A good installer will assess your energy consumption, EV usage, and home setup to design a system tailored to your specific needs.
- Ongoing Support and Maintenance – Solar and EV charging systems are long-term investments, so choose an installer that offers aftercare support, including system monitoring and maintenance.
Entire Renewables specialises in designing and installing high-performance solar panel systems that seamlessly integrate with EV charging. With our expert team, cutting-edge technology, and customer-focused approach, we ensure your transition to solar-powered EV charging is smooth and hassle-free. Join the hundreds of Cheshire homeowners and car owners who have already made the move with us!
Make the Switch to Solar-Powered EV Charging Today
Powering your electric vehicle with solar energy is one of the smartest investments you can make for your wallet and the planet. By reducing reliance on grid electricity, cutting fuel costs, and minimising your carbon footprint, solar-powered EV charging offers long-term benefits that make it well worth considering in 2025.
If you’re ready to start slashing the cost of charging your EV, contact Entire Renewables today to discuss the best solar EV charging solution for your home. Our experts will guide you through the process, ensuring you get the most out of your investment while driving towards a greener, more cost-efficient future. Give us a call at 01606 374 994, or drop us an email at info@entire-renewables.onyx-sites.io.