Can You Charge Your EV With Solar Power? Here’s How It Works

With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more common on Australian roads, many homeowners are asking: “Can I charge my EV using solar power from my home system?” The short answer is yes – and it can save you thousands in fuel costs while making your driving genuinely emissions-free.

Here’s how EV charging with solar works, what setup you need, and practical tips to maximise your savings.

Why Charge Your EV With Solar?

Charging your EV in Adelaide from the grid is still cheaper than petrol, but using your own solar power is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Here’s why:

• Zero fuel cost when using solar

• Reduces your carbon footprint even further

• Maximises the value of your rooftop solar system

• Reduces grid dependence, especially if paired with a battery
  

How Does Solar EV Charging Work?

1. Direct Charging While the Sun is Out

If you’re home during the day, you can charge your EV directly from your solar system’s daytime production. This requires:

• A solar system large enough to cover both household usage and EV charging

• An EV charger installed at your property

• Adjusting your charging times to daytime hours (using scheduling apps or timers)

For example, if your EV charger draws 7kW per hour and your solar system is producing 8kW midday, you’ll effectively be charging from the sun with minimal grid draw.

2. Charging Using a Battery System

If you’re away during the day (like most working Australians), adding a battery allows you to:

• Store excess daytime solar energy

• Charge your EV at night using your stored solar power

This ensures your driving remains solar-powered even if you’re not home when the sun is shining.

3. Smart EV Chargers and Solar Integration

Many modern EV chargers come with smart solar integration features. These allow you to:

• Automatically prioritise solar energy for charging

• Adjust charging speed based on available solar power

• Track your charging source (solar vs grid) for savings and carbon reduction data

Brands like Tesla, Zappi, and Wallbox offer solar-aware EV chargers that integrate seamlessly with your solar inverter and home energy system.

What Size Solar System Do You Need to Charge an EV?

Here’s a simple calculation:

• Average EV energy consumption: 15–20 kWh per 100 km

• Average daily driving distance: 30–50 km

This means you’ll need 5–10 kWh of solar energy per day to cover your EV charging alone, on top of your household usage.

For most Australian homes:

• 6.6 kW solar system: May cover household usage with limited capacity for daily EV charging

• 8–10 kW system: More suitable for homes looking to power household use and daily EV charging sustainably

Tip: Talk to your solar installer about your driving patterns to size your system correctly for current and future EV charging needs.

Benefits of Charging Your EV with Solar Power

1. Cost Savings

Charging your EV from the grid might cost $5–$10 per full charge, depending on your energy rates. Charging from solar effectively costs $0 (after your system investment is paid off), saving you hundreds to thousands per year compared to petrol or grid charging.

2. Environmental Impact

EVs are only as clean as the electricity that powers them. Charging from solar ensures:

• True emissions-free driving

• Reduced reliance on coal-generated grid electricity

• Contribution to Australia’s clean energy goals
  

3. Energy Independence

By producing and using your own energy, you’re less affected by rising electricity prices and fuel costs, giving your household greater financial stability.

Practical Tips for Solar EV Charging

Install a Smart EV Charger: Choose a charger compatible with solar integration for automatic solar prioritisation.

Optimise Charging Times: If you work from home or have flexible hours, charge during peak solar production (10 am – 2 pm) to use free solar power directly.

Consider a Battery: If you can’t charge during the day, a battery ensures your EV is still powered by solar even when charging at night.

Check Your Switchboard Capacity: EV chargers often require upgrades to your switchboard. Discuss this with your installer to ensure safe operation.

Future-Proof Your Solar System: If you don’t own an EV yet but plan to, size your solar system larger now to avoid expensive upgrades later.

Final Thoughts

So, can you charge your EV with solar power? Absolutely – and it’s one of the smartest, most sustainable decisions you can make in 2025. Whether you’re charging directly during the day or storing energy in a battery for overnight charging, integrating your EV with your solar system saves money, reduces emissions, and gives you true energy independence.