Why Solar Panels Are the Missing Piece for EV Charger Owners 

Written by Joe Sandham, Director.

If you already have one of the many EV chargers now installed across UK homes and businesses, you’re ahead of the curve. You’ve solved the convenience problem. You’ve ditched the public charging queues. You’re charging faster, safer and on your own terms. 

But here’s the straight truth: without solar panels, you’re not getting the most out of your EV charger. 

EV chargers are only as cost-effective and sustainable as the energy feeding them. Pairing EV chargers with solar panels transforms your charging setup from “good” into “no-brainer smart.” 

EV Chargers Are Smart – Solar Makes Them Smarter 

EV chargers give you control. Solar panels give you ownership. 

Most EV charger owners still rely heavily on grid electricity, even when charging overnight on off-peak tariffs. While this is cheaper than public charging, it’s still an ongoing cost and one that’s vulnerable to rising energy prices. 

Adding solar panels allows you to: 

• Generate your own electricity 

• Reduce or eliminate EV charging costs 
• Protect yourself from future energy price hikes 

When EV chargers are powered by solar, every mile driven is cheaper, cleaner, and more predictable. 

 

Charge Your EV Using Free, Renewable Energy 

One of the biggest advantages of combining solar panels with EV chargers is the ability to use excess solar generation – this is usually referenced as eco charging on your EV Charger. Therefore, saving you money rather than returning the excess solar generation back to the grid. 

During the day, solar panels often produce more electricity than your property uses. Instead of exporting this energy back to the grid for minimal return, you can: 

• Store it in a home battery 

• Divert it directly into your EV charger 

This means your EV can be charged using energy you’ve already generated, effectively free fuel. Over time, the savings add up fast, especially for households or businesses with high mileage. 

 

Smarter Charging, Lower Bills 

Modern EV chargers are designed to integrate seamlessly with solar systems. Smart features allow chargers to: 

• Prioritise solar energy when available 

• Automatically adjust charging speeds based on generation 

• Schedule charging to maximise self-consumption 

This level of control dramatically reduces reliance on the grid and keeps energy bills predictable. For businesses running EV fleets, this can translate into serious operational savings. 

 

Battery Health and Long-Term Performance 

Solar-powered EV charging is also gentler on your vehicle’s battery. Charging at consistent, controlled rates, rather than frequent rapid charging at public stations, helps maintain optimal battery health. Many EV chargers provide monitoring tools that allow users to track charging patterns and battery performance over time. 

The result? Longer battery life and better long-term vehicle value. 

 

Haven’t got an EV Charger? This one’s for solar owners 

If you already own one, this won’t be news but it’s worth reinforcing. 

EV chargers provide: 

• Faster charging than standard sockets (up to 7.3kW) 

• Improved safety compared to domestic plugs 

• Smart scheduling and usage tracking 

• Greater convenience at home or work 

• Increased property value and future-proofing 

• Having an EV charger allows you to access a cheap overnight rate, this will also allow you to charge your solar PV battery within bad weather periods 

Solar doesn’t replace EV chargers – it amplifies their value. 

 

Stronger Sustainability and ESG Credentials 

Powering EV chargers with solar energy significantly reduces carbon emissions. For homeowners, this means genuinely cleaner driving. For businesses, it strengthens sustainability credentials and supports ESG targets. 

Customers, employees, and partners increasingly expect visible action, not just green talk. 

 

The Bottom Line 

If you already have an EV charger, solar panels are the logical next step. 

Together, they deliver: 

• Lower running costs 

• Greater energy independence 

• Smarter charging 

• Stronger environmental impact 

• Long-term financial returns 

EV chargers changed how you charge your car. Solar panels change what it costs and who controls it. 

 

Looking to add solar panels to your EV charging setup?

Explore our solar solutions or book a call with our team to see how you can get the most from your EV charger investment: 

📍 Midlands: 01543 713026 

📍 South: 023 92 4005478 

or click ‘Get a Quote’ below.

 

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