EV and Solar Guide 2023

Can Solar Panels Charge Your Electric Car?

Are you considering making the switch to solar panel charging for your electric vehicle (EV)? Using solar energy to charge your EV not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but can also save you money in the long run. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of charging your EV with solar power and provide you with all the information you need to get started.

How Solar Panel Charging Functions

Solar panel charging for electric vehicles is a renewable and sustainable way to power your EV. Solar panels have the ability to transform sunlight into electrical energy, which in turn can be utilised for the purpose of charging your electric vehicle’s battery. The process is simple and efficient. Solar panels are typically installed on the roof of a home or business, where they can harness the maximum amount of sunlight. The panels generate electricity, which can be directly fed into your EV charger, allowing you to charge your car using clean, renewable energy.

But what happens when the sun goes down? Most EV owners charge their cars overnight, when solar panels are not producing electricity. This is where a solar battery storage system comes in handy. During the day, when your solar panels generate excess electricity, it can be stored in a battery system. This stored energy can then be used to charge your EV overnight, ensuring that you can still benefit from solar power even when the sun isn’t shining.

What is the OZEV government grant?

The OZEV grant is a government incentive that helps people in the UK switch to electric vehicles. The grant provides up to £3,000 off the cost of a new EV purchase, and up to £350 towards the installation of charge points. It also covers home charging equipment and the installation of a solar panel system, making it easier for people to charge their EVs with renewable energy. The grant is open for applications from individuals and businesses alike, allowing more people to make the switch to electric vehicles and benefit from renewable energy sources.

What is the number of solar panels needed to charge your electric vehicle?

The number of solar panels you need to charge your EV depends on various factors, including the size of your EV battery, your energy consumption, and the efficiency of your solar panels. On average, a solar panel system with around 8-12 panels can power an electric vehicle. However, it is recommended to consult with a professional to determine the right size and type of system for your specific needs.

Are you able to use any EV charger to charge with Solar energy?

No, not all EV chargers are suitable for charging with solar energy. To ensure that you can charge your EV with solar power, you will need to use a solar-compatible charger. These chargers are specifically designed to work with solar panels and are typically available in both wall-mounted and portable versions. When selecting a charger, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with your EV model and can handle the amount of power necessary for charging. Additionally, you should consider the features offered by each charger to determine which one best suits your needs.

Which EV charger in the UK will charge my car the quickest?

The EV charger that will charge your car the quickest in the UK is the Wallbox Quasar. This charger offers up to 50kW of power, meaning it can charge your car up to five times faster than a standard 7kW charger. It also has built-in intelligent energy management features, allowing you to monitor and control your energy usage for maximum efficiency. Additionally, it is compatible with most EVs on the market, making it an ideal choice for those who want to get their cars charged quickly and efficiently.

Solar-Compatible EV Chargers

To charge your EV with solar energy, you need a solar-compatible EV charger that can integrate with your solar panel system. There are several options available in the market, each with its own features and capabilities. Let’s take a look at easily available solar-compatible EV chargers in the UK:

myenergi Zappi

The myenergi Zappi is a smart solar charger that offers three charging modes, providing you with flexibility and control over your charging process. The eco mode allows you to use energy from your solar panels or the mains supply, depending on availability. The eco+ mode goes a step further and only charges your vehicle when surplus solar or wind energy is available. Finally, the fast mode utilizes the charger’s full capacity to charge your EV from the mains power like a regular charger.

The myenergi Zappi is compatible with all plug-in vehicles, supports both type 1 and type 2 EV charger connectors, and can be installed with or without a tethered cable. It also integrates seamlessly with solar PV systems, battery storage, and other microgeneration methods. With real-time energy monitoring and scheduling capabilities, you can optimize your charging based on off-peak periods and dynamic tariffs.

Expected cost – From £1000 to £1200

SolarEdge 2-in-1 EV Charger Inverter

The SolarEdge 2-in-1 EV Charger Inverter combines a PV inverter and an EV charger into a single device, simplifying installation and reducing costs. This charger allows you to charge your EV directly from the sun’s energy, maximizing your solar power usage. It offers simple integration with the SolarEdge monitoring platform, allowing you to track your energy production and consumption.

With the ability to charge EVs up to 2.5 times faster than a standard EV charger, the SolarEdge 2-in-1 EV Charger Inverter provides fast and efficient charging. It also supports remote activation and scheduling, enabling you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Available in different sizes and cable lengths, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.

Expected cost – From £1100 to £2000

Wallbox Pulsar Plus Home EV Charging Station

The Wallbox Pulsar Plus Home EV Charging Station is a great option for those who want a fast and reliable charging experience. It offers up to 11kW of power, allowing you to charge your vehicle quickly and efficiently. The Pulsar Plus also comes with an integrated cable management system, so you don’t have to worry about tangled cables or hazardous installations. It has a sleek design and is available in four colours, making it suitable for any home or office. With its built-in WiFi connectivity, you can monitor your charging status remotely from the Wallbox app. You can also easily customize the charging process with the app’s scheduling and power limit features, helping you save energy and money. In addition, this charger is compatible with all types of EVs and comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Expected cost – From £400 to £800

Indra Smart Pro EV charger

The Indra Smart Pro EV charger is another great option for home and office charging. It comes with a 7.4kW power output, allowing you to charge your EV in record time. This charger is equipped with a wide range of features, including a modular design that allows you to choose the cable length and type that best suits your needs. It also offers an intuitive touch display for easy operation, as well as advanced safety features such as over-current protection and temperature monitoring. With its built-in WiFi connectivity, you can monitor your charging status remotely from the Indra app. You can also take advantage of its scheduling and power limit features to optimize your charging based on electricity rates or solar production. The Indra Smart Pro EV charger comes with a 5-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Expected cost – From £800 to £1100

Hypervolt Home 2.0 EV Charger

The Hypervolt Home 2.0 EV Charger is a great option for those who want to charge their vehicles quickly and safely. It offers up to 22kW of power, allowing your EV to charge twice as fast as a standard charger. This charger is designed with safety in mind and comes with an IP65 rating, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. It also has an intuitive LCD screen that displays the charging status, current power output, and more. The Hypervolt Home 2.0 also supports remote activation so you can start or stop charging from anywhere using the Hypervolt mobile app. Additionally, it comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind and is compatible with all types of EVs. With its sleek design and wide range of features, the Hypervolt Home 2.0 EV Charger is sure to meet all your charging needs.

Expected cost – From £900 to £1200

Considerations Before Installing Solar Panels for EV Charging

While solar panel charging for EVs offers numerous benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before making the investment.

1. Upfront Costs

Installing solar panels and an EV charger can initially be expensive. However, there are government grants and subsidies available to help offset the costs. It’s worth exploring these options to make the investment more affordable.

2. Weather Dependence

Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate electricity. While they can still produce some electricity on cloudy days, their efficiency is reduced. If you live in an area with limited sunlight or frequent cloudy weather, you may need to supplement your solar PV system with power from the grid, especially during the winter months.

3. Space Requirements

To generate enough solar energy to charge your EV, you will need an adequate number of solar panels. Consider the available space on your roof or property and ensure that it can accommodate the required number of panels. If space is limited, you may need to explore alternative solutions or consult with a professional to optimize your solar panel system.

4. Energy Usage and Driving Habits

Your energy usage and driving habits will impact the effectiveness of solar panel charging for your EV. If you drive long distances frequently or have a larger EV battery capacity, you may require more solar panels to meet your charging needs. It’s important to assess your energy requirements and consult with an expert to design a solar panel system that suits your specific situation.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Charging an Electric Vehicle with Solar Energy

The primary benefit of charging an electric vehicle with solar energy is cost savings.

Solar energy is free and abundant, so you don’t have to pay for electricity or worry about increasing electricity bills.

Additionally, solar panels have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance, making them a great long-term investment.

Furthermore, using solar energy is an environmentally friendly option that can help reduce your carbon footprint.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to consider when charging your EV with solar energy.

Firstly, the upfront costs for installing a solar panel system can be high and it may take several years to recoup your investment.

Additionally, depending on where you live, weather conditions can have an impact on the efficiency of your system.

Finally, you may need to supplement your solar PV system with power from the grid during periods of low sunlight or heavy usage.

Additional Information:

• The average domestic solar PV system can generate one to four kilowatts of power, which is enough to fully charge an electric car with a battery capacity of 40 kWh in just over eight hours.
• Solar panel charging can take longer than grid charging, but with a solar PV system installed, you can charge your EV overnight while you sleep, ensuring it’s ready to go in the morning.
• Solar PV systems can bring you savings on your energy bills. If you generate more electricity than you use, you can sell it back to the grid and reduce your overall energy costs.
• Solar panel charging requires sunny weather. While solar PV systems can still generate some electricity on cloudy days, you may need to supplement your solar PV system with power from the grid during wintertime.

Charging your electric car with solar panels is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution that offers numerous benefits. From reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on charging costs to enjoying the convenience of charging at home, solar panel charging for EVs is a smart choice. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can drive off sunshine, contribute to a sustainable future, and enjoy the financial advantages of solar energy. So why wait? Start exploring solar panel options and take the first step towards greener and more sustainable transportation.

What is the required number of solar panels to charge a car?

The number of solar panels required to charge an electric car depends on the battery capacity and the power output of the solar PV system. Generally, a domestic solar PV system with an output of one to four kilowatts is enough to fully charge a car with a 40 kWh battery in just over eight hours. However, if you have a larger battery capacity or require faster charging times, you may need more panels. An electric vehicle can be powered by a solar panel system consisting of approximately 8-12 panels, on average. It is best to consult a certified professional who can provide advice on which type and size of solar PV system will best suit your needs.

What is the duration needed to charge an electric vehicle using solar panels?

The duration of charging an electric vehicle with solar panels can vary depending on the size of the battery and the power output of the solar PV system. Generally, a 40 kWh battery can be charged in just over eight hours with a domestic solar PV system with an output of one to four kilowatts. However, if you have a larger battery capacity or require faster charging times, you may need more panels and a higher power output. In this case, it may take up to 12 hours or more to fully charge your EV. It is important to note that while solar panel charging can still be done on cloudy days, you may need to supplement your solar PV system with power from the grid during wintertime.

Do I need to charge my electric vehicle every day?

No, you do not need to charge your electric vehicle every day. Depending on the size of your battery and how much you drive, one full charge may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It is recommended that you check the battery level regularly and recharge when necessary. Recharging your car with solar panels can be done whenever there is sunshine, so you don’t need to worry about charging times or the availability of power from the grid. However, it is wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your charging schedule accordingly.

Do you require a planning permission from the local council to install an EV charger?

Yes, in most cases you will require planning permission from the local council to install an EV charger. Depending on your location and the type of charger you are installing, there may be additional requirements or restrictions in place. For instance, some councils may require that a charging station is installed within a certain distance from a property boundary. You should consult with your local council to ensure that all requirements are met before applying for permission. It is also important to check with your local electricity supplier to make sure that the necessary infrastructure is in place and that your EV charger will be compatible with their network.