As more homeowners switch to electric vehicles and renewable energy, combining solar panels with an EV charger has become one of the smartest ways to reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions.
Not all EV chargers are designed to make the most of your solar generation. If you’re investing in solar EV charging, choosing the right solar charger can make a significant difference to your savings, charging efficiency and long term return on investment.
At SolarTherm UK, we’ve been designing and installing high performance solar PV systems across Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the wider South East and East Anglia for over 16 years. Our experienced engineers install two of the UK’s most trusted solar compatible EV chargers: Project EV and myenergi Zappi. Both offer excellent performance, but each suits different households and charging requirements.
In this guide, we’ll explain how solar EV charging works, compare the leading options and help you decide which charger is best for your home.
Why Pair an EV Charger with Solar Panels?
Without solar panels, your electric vehicle charges using electricity imported from the National Grid. While this is still cheaper than petrol or diesel, it isn’t always the most economical option.
With solar EV charging, your vehicle can be powered using electricity generated by your own roof.
Benefits include:
- Lower electricity bills
- Reduced vehicle running costs
- Better return from your solar PV system
- Less reliance on rising energy prices
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Increased energy independence
Instead of exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid for a relatively modest Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payment, you can use that electricity to charge your vehicle directly.
What Makes a Good Solar Charger?
A quality solar charger does far more than simply charge your car. The best systems can:
- Detect excess solar generation
- Automatically divert surplus electricity to your vehicle
- Reduce grid imports
- Schedule charging during off peak tariffs
- Integrate with home battery storage
- Be monitored through a smartphone app
These intelligent features maximise self-consumption, helping homeowners get the greatest value from their solar investment.
Project EV Solar Charger
Project EV has become one of the UK’s fastest growing EV charging manufacturers, offering reliable, smart charging solutions at excellent value. For homeowners looking for dependable solar EV charging, Project EV delivers an impressive combination of functionality and affordability.
Key Features Includes:
- Solar charging compatibility
- Smart scheduling
- App based monitoring
- Dynamic load balancing
- OCPP compatibility
- Available in tethered and untethered models
- Up to 7.4kW charging for domestic installations
Project EV chargers allow homeowners to prioritise solar generation where compatible energy management systems are installed, helping reduce reliance on imported electricity. For many households, Project EV offers an excellent balance between performance and value.
Zappi Solar Charger
When homeowners specifically want to maximise solar generation, myenergi Zappi is often considered one of the market leaders. Unlike many conventional EV chargers, Zappi was designed from the outset with renewable energy in mind.
Its Standout Features Include:
- Dedicated solar charging modes
- Automatic surplus solar detection
- Fast charging when required
- Battery storage integration
- Smart tariff compatibility
- Real time energy monitoring
- Future ready software updates
One of Zappi’s biggest advantages is its intelligent charging modes.
- ECO+: this mode charges your vehicle almost entirely from excess solar generation, pausing automatically when generation falls
- ECO: uses a combination of soalr and grid electricity to maintain charging
- FAST: charges your vehicle at maximum speed using available grid electricity when required.
These flexible charging options give homeowners complete control over how and when their vehicle charges.
Project EV vs Zappi
Both chargers are excellent options, but the best choice depends on your priorities.
| Feature | Project EV | Zappi |
| Solar compatibility | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Smart charging | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated solar modes | Limited | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes | Ues |
| Battery integration | Yes | Excellent |
| Smart tariff support | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Value conscious homeowners | Maximum solar optimisation |
At SolarTherm UK, we recommend the charger that best suits your property, energy usage and future plans rather than promoting a one size fits all solution.
Which Charger Works Best with Solar Battery Storage?
Many homeowners now install battery storage alongside solar panels. A battery stores excess daytime generation so it can be used later during the evening or overnight.
When combined with a compatible solar charger, your home gains even greater flexibility.
A complete energy ecosystem may include:
- Solar panels
- Hybrid inverter
- Home battery
- EV charger
- Smart energy monitoring
The result is greater energy independence and reduced reliance on expensive peak rate electricity. SolarTherm UK regularly installs integrated systems that allow homeowners to generate, store and use their own renewable electricity as efficiently as possible.
Is Solar EV Charging Worth It?
For many households, absolutely. Charging from solar can significantly reduce the cost of driving an electric vehicle. Depending on your annual mileage, charging habits and solar generation, many homeowners save hundreds of pounds each year by using their own renewable electricity instead of importing energy from the grid. Combined with rising electricity prices and increasing EV ownership, solar EV charging continues to offer strong long term value.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Choosing the right charger is only part of the process. Correct installation ensures:
- Safe electrical connections
- Compliance with UK regulations
- Proper solar integration
- Future compatibility with battery storage
- Reliable long term performance
At SolarTherm UK, every installation is carefully designed around your property’s electrical supply, roof generation, vehicle charging requirements and future expansion plans.
Our experienced installers ensure your system is configured to maximise both energy efficiency and long term savings.
Why Choose SolarTherm UK?
Installing a solar compatible EV charger is an investment that should deliver reliable performance for many years. Homeowners across Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the surrounding South East and East Anglia choose SolarTherm UK because we offer:
- Over 16 years of solar industry experience
- MCS certified solar installations
- NICEIC approved electrical workmanship
- Bespoke system design
- High quality equipment from trusted manufacturers
- Professional aftercare and customer support
- Expert advice tailored to your home and lifestyle
Rather than recommending the same equipment for every property, we assess your energy usage, roof generation, driving habits and future requirements to recommend the most suitable solution.
This consultative approach helps homeowners achieve the best possible return from their investment.
Final Thoughts
The best EV charger for solar panels depends on how you use your electricity, how much solar energy you generate and your long term plans.
If you’re looking for outstanding value with smart functionality, Project EV is an excellent choice. If maximising self-generated renewable energy is your priority, Zappi remains one of the UK’s leading solar chargers.
Whichever option you choose, combining an intelligent EV charger with solar panels is one of the most effective ways to lower energy costs, reduce your environmental impact and make the most of every unit of electricity you roof generates.
At SolarTherm UK, we help homeowners across Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the surrounding South East and East Anglia design complete renewable energy systems that deliver long term savings, exceptional performance and complete peace of mind.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – and the time you need to make an informed decision.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Project EV and Zappi are excellent choices. Zappi offers dedicated solar charging modes, while Project EV provides excellent value and smart charging features. The best option depends on your home’s energy usage and charging requirements.
Yes, if your solar panels are generating enough electricity. During sunny periods, surplus solar energy can be diverted directly to your vehicle using a compatible solar charger.
Yes. Many modern solar chargers integrate with home battery systems, allowing you to optimise when and how your vehicle charges using stored renewable electricity.
Neither charger is universally better. Zappi offers more advanced solar-specific functionality, while Project EV provides an excellent balance of features and affordability.
Yes. SolarTherm UK designs and installs complete renewable energy systems, including solar panels, battery storage and EV chargers, providing homeowners with a fully integrated solution tailored to their property and energy needs.
