Charging your electric car with solar panels – a guide
Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is one of the easiest ways to make your lifestyle greener. The government is also making it more affordable, with discounts of up to £3,750 on brand-new EVs. On top of that, drivers can save around £1,100 per year on petrol or diesel costs.
While running an EV is already cheaper than filling up with petrol, pairing it with solar panels can make an even bigger difference. You get the benefit of cleaner energy, lower bills, and a smaller carbon footprint. If you’re wondering how it all works, or whether it’s worth it, this guide covers everything you need to know.
How can I charge my car with solar panels?
Charging your electric car with solar panels requires you to, of course, have solar panels installed on your home. As a rough guide, a solar panel system with eight to 12 panels is enough to support regular EV charging for most drivers.
The best way to get an accurate set up is to speak to our experts – or try out our instant quote tool for an estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home.
Most UK homes with solar panels generate around 3,000 to 3,400 kWh a year, which is enough to cover a significant portion of your annual driving – particularly if your daily commute isn’t massive.
Charging is straightforward but depends on the battery size and the power of your charger. Most home EV chargers add 20–30 miles of range per hour, meaning you can top up in a few hours or get a full charge overnight.
To charge with solar energy during the day, you’ll need a home charging unit and a PV inverter unit. If you want to charge overnight or when the sun isn’t shining, a solar battery is worth considering. This stores the extra energy your panels generate but you don’t use in the house, so it’s ready for your car.
Batteries can be installed indoors or outdoors, usually mounted on a wall or placed on the floor. You can even link multiple batteries together to increase storage capacity, giving you maximum flexibility.
Will I save money by charging my EV with solar?
Absolutely. The cost of installing solar panels and a battery varies depending on a number of factors, including the size of your roof, your electricity usage, and the charger you choose. You can get a free, instant quote from our online tool.
There’s government support for EV chargers too. As of May 2025, drivers and businesses no longer need planning permission to install a private or public charger. On top of that, there’s up to £350 off the cost of a home charger for those renting, owning a flat, or with on-street parking.
Adding a battery alongside your EV charger and solar system can further reduce bills. You can store energy when tariffs are cheaper and use it for charging your car, or sell surplus electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee, creating potential extra income.
Do I need a special charger to use solar power?
EV wall chargers are versatile. You don’t have to use a brand-specific charger – for example, a Tesla charger isn’t required for a Tesla. That said, different cars and chargers have varying connectors and speeds, which can affect charging time and cost.
Our specialists can help you choose the right charger for your vehicle and home. We work with leading brands like Zappi, SolarEdge, Fox ESS, Hanchu, and GivEnergy, ensuring you get a high-performing system tailored to your needs.
Are solar panels suitable for my home?
A common question is whether a solar-powered EV setup is realistic for all homes. It usually is, but factors like roof space, orientation, and shading can affect how much energy you can generate. Our free survey helps assess your home and gives you a personalised recommendation.
By combining solar panels, a battery, and an EV charger, you’re creating a flexible, future-proof energy system. You’ll enjoy lower running costs, greater energy independence, and a greener commute – all while helping the UK transition to cleaner energy.
If you’re unsure about whether an EV charging, solar panel and battery system is suitable for your home, just get in touch.
