Can You Add an EV Charger if You Already Have Solar Panels?

Charlie Smith
May 10
2 min read

If you already have solar panels at home, adding an electric car charger can supercharge your savings. But how does it work, and what should you know before installing one?

Let’s break it down simply.

☀️ How Solar Panels and EV Chargers Work Together

When you combine solar panels and an EV charger, you can:

✅ Charge your car using free solar power

✅ Store excess solar energy in your car battery

✅ Reduce grid electricity use, lowering your energy bills

👉 Smart Tip: You’ll need a charger that can connect to your solar system — not all models can.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-smart-charging-action-plan

💷 How Much Can You Save?

Charging with solar can cut your charging costs to near zero on sunny days.

Without solar:

Average home charging → ~8p per mile

With solar:

Daytime home charging → ~0p per mile (when solar covers it)

Plus, you avoid paying higher daytime electricity rates.

🔌 What Kind of Charger Do You Need?

✅ Look for a solar-compatible smart charger (like the Myenergi Zappi)

✅ Make sure your home electrical system can handle both solar and EV loads

✅ Use an OZEV-approved installer to qualify for government grants

Check approved chargers here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-approved-chargepoint-model-list

🎁 Can You Still Claim the EV Chargepoint Grant?

Yes!

Even if you have solar, you can claim up to £350 off the cost of a smart home charger, as long as:

✅ You have off-street parking

✅ You use an OZEV-authorised installer

Grant details here:https://www.gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant-household

Feature	Without Solar	With Solar
Charging cost per mile	~8p	~0p (when using solar)
Grant available	Yes	Yes
Recommended charger type	Smart charger	Smart + solar-compatible