Solar panels and EV charging: plan around your routine

Solar charging works when generation is available and the vehicle is connected to suitable equipment. If your car is away for the working day, direct solar use may be limited to weekends or other days at home. Start with your actual routine rather than an assumed annual fuel saving.

A solar-aware charging arrangement can respond to available surplus generation. Scheduled smart charging is a different function. Ask which functions are supported, what monitoring hardware is needed and what happens when household demand rises or generation falls.

A home battery is optional for direct solar charging. If you add one, ask how the battery and car share available energy. Compare storing electricity for household use with charging the vehicle, including energy losses and the cost of grid top-ups.

The installer should assess the parking position, ownership or permissions, cable route and electricity supply. If a pavement or shared area is involved, establish the permitted arrangement with the council or landowner before ordering a chargepoint.

Look at total household electricity costs, including daytime rates and standing charges. A discounted EV charging window may have equipment or vehicle requirements. Ask for the proposed charging schedule and compare it with when your vehicle needs to be ready.

Tell us where you park, your approximate mileage, when the car is home and whether solar or storage is already installed. A partner installer can arrange the next booking within 24 hours of receiving the enquiry. The installation date follows the necessary assessment and agreement.