Solar Panels and EV Chargers Together: What London Homes Need

More London homes are adding solar panels and an EV charger, and it makes sense to plan them together. Charging your car from your own roof can cut running costs, but only if the charger, the solar system and your consumer unit work well together. This post explains what to think about.

How much solar can actually charge a car?

A typical London home solar system is a few kilowatts in size, and on a bright day it may produce a few kilowatts at its peak, less in cloudy weather and much less in winter. A home charger running at full speed draws about 7 kW. So solar alone rarely charges a car at full speed, but it can add useful free miles during the day, especially if the car is at home.

Solar-aware chargers

Some chargers have a solar or eco mode that uses only spare solar power, or a mix of solar and grid power, so you are not exporting electricity cheaply and then buying it back at a higher price. These chargers usually need a current clamp or energy monitor fitted at the supply. If you plan to add solar later, choosing a charger with this feature now saves changing it.

Night tariffs versus daytime solar

If your car is out during the day, a cheap overnight EV tariff may save more than solar charging. Many households use both: solar for daytime top ups at weekends, and the night tariff for the rest. Our guide on smart charger rules explains scheduling.

The electrical side

• Solar systems normally need to be registered with the network operator.
• The consumer unit needs space and the right protection for both the solar and the charger circuits.
• The main fuse needs enough capacity, especially with an electric shower as well.

Our main blog covers this in smart meter, solar or heat pump? Get the consumer unit checked first and is your main fuse big enough?

Batteries

A home battery can store daytime solar for evening use. Charging an EV directly from a home battery is possible but usually limited, as most home batteries are much smaller than a car battery. For most homes, the battery is better used for the house and the car charged overnight.

Energy North Ltd installs EV chargers and checks consumer units for solar-ready homes across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians. See our EV charger installation page.