Electric vehicles (EV) are becoming increasingly popular across the UK but affordable charging is just not there yet. Home charging is the most cost-effective route but with energy bills continuing to rise people are looking for smarter ways to reduce costs. At SolarTherm UK we can help EV owners reduce their costs by combining solar with EV charging. This article will explore how solar and EV charging work as the perfect pairing and why it’s a smart long-term investment.
Why Use Solar Power to Charge Your EV?
- Reduce your running costs – grid electricity is still expensive, and the price cap is set to rise again in September 2025. Charging your EV from your solar energy will significantly reduce your fuel costs. With a smart solar installation from SolarTherm UK you may even charge your car for free during sunny periods.
- Lower your carbon footprint – as grid energy isn’t always from a renewable source, you may still be contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Charging your EV with solar ensures you’re EV is using 100% clean energy making your transport even more eco-friendly.
- Maximise your solar investment – instead of getting low export payments for excess energy, you can use more of the electricity you generate, getting better value for your investment.
What You Need to Charge Your EV with Solar
- Solar PV system – having the right system installed to ensure all your energy needs are met is the starting point. When designing your system inform your installer that you are wanting to use your solar for EV charging so a solar system large enough can be installed.
- Solar-compatible EV charger – smart EV chargers are designed to work with solar systems and can prioritise solar energy over grid electricity. They also come stacked with additional features like timed charging and eco-modes.
- Battery storage – while not essential, battery storage can be beneficial if you are looking to use your solar panels to charge your EV. While solar panels are restricted to generating electricity while the sun is shining, a battery system allows you to store electricity you haven’t used and use it at a later time.
What About Savings?
Compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, your EV can save your hundreds of pounds on running costs, when switching to solar energy charging you can save even more. Charging your EV via the grid can cost you 15-30p per kWh whereas with solar your costs are 0 – that’s right once your system has been paid off, you pay nothing for charging your EV with solar.
Any Other Benefits?
By owning a EV you are possibly already getting a EV specific tariff which gives you off-peak times to be charging your car, but with a solar PV system you can maximise on these lower costs by using off-peak tariffs to charge your solar battery too. You also benefit from the ability to charge your EV when you want – even during high peak costs during the day, giving you more flexibility for your lifestyle.
Future-Proof Your Home and Travel
With government plans to ban the production and sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK by 2030 and the continuing rises in energy prices, a solar PV system and EV charger installed by SolarTherm UK puts you ahead of the curve. Whether you already own an EV or are looking to buy one in the future, a solar system makes your home smarter, greener and more self-sufficient.
Ready to Drive on Solar?
At SolarTherm UK we provide a free bespoke design package based on your home, energy usage and future energy plans. No hard-sell, just honest, expert advice. We are EPVS certified, so you know you can trust the figures.
