As more homeowners across the South East invest in solar panels and electric vehicles, one common question arises: when is the best time of day to charge your EV using solar power? Timing your charging correctly can significantly increase your use of free, self-generated electricity and reduce reliance on the grid.
This guide explains how EV charging aligns with a solar PV system, what affects the optimal charging window and how South East households can maximise savings.
How Solar Panels Power EV Charging
Solar panels generate electricity when exposed to daylight, with output increasing as sunlight intensifies. A typical solar PV system produces most of its energy during the middle of the day, when the sun is highest in the sky.
If your electric vehicle is charging while your solar panels are generating electricity, that energy can be used directly by the charger. This avoids exporting power to the grid and having to buy it back later at a higher price.
The Best Time of Day to Charge Your EV With Solar
Late morning to mid afternoon (roughly 10am-3pm) is generally the most effective time to charge an EV using solar power in the South East. During this time, solar panels are usually operating at or near their peak output and household demand is often lower. This makes the perfect balance of surplus solar energy is available for EV charging. For many homes, this is when solar generation exceeds normal household usage, making it the ideal time to divert power to an electric vehicle.
Why Midday Charging Maximises Solar Use
Charging your EV during peak solar hours allows:
- Higher self-consumption of solar energy
- Reduced grid imports during charging
- Lower overall cost per mile driven
In the South East, solar PV systems benefit from some of the highest solar generation levels in the UK, with consistent daylight compared to other regions. This makes daytime charging especially effective.
What If Your EV Isn’t Home During the Day?
Many EV owners are away at work during peak solar hours. If that’s the case, there are still ways to optimise charging:
- Solar battery storage can store excess daytime generation and release it later
- Smart EV chargers can prioritise solar energy where available
- Off peak overnight charging can be combined with daytime solar use for flexibility
While direct daytime charging is best, a well designed solar PV system can still support EV charging even if the vehicle is not plugged in all day.
Seasonal Differences in Solar EV Charging
The best time of day remains broadly consistent year round, but output varies by season. Spring and summer bring longer days and extended charging windows. Autumn has good solar coverage with midday charging bringing the best efficiency. Even in winter, when solar output is lower, later morning to early afternoon remains optimal. Solar panels can contribute meaningfully to EV charging, especially when combined with efficient energy management.
Does System Size Affect Charging Time?
Yes. The size of your solar PV system and EV charger both influence results:
- Larger solar systems generate more midday surplus
- Smaller chargers (e.g. 3.6kW) are easier to match with solar output
- Larger chargers may draw some grid power unless solar generation is high
Matching system design to your driving habits is key for maximising solar EV charging benefits.
Solar EV Charging for South East Homes
Homes across Essex, Kent, Surrey and the surrounding areas are well suited to solar EV charging due to favourable daylight conditions and rising energy costs. Charging your electric vehicle during peak solar hours allows you to make the most of your investment in solar panels.
Final Thoughts
The best time of day to charge your EV with solar is late morning to mid-afternoon, when your solar PV system is producing the most electricity. By aligning EV charging with solar generation, South East homeowners can reduce energy bills, increase self-consumption and drive on more of their own free electricity.
If you’re considering solar panels, EV charging or a combined system designed around your lifestyle, SolarTherm UK can help. Contact us 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.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
