Solar Compatible Home EV Chargers 2025

November 25, 2024

Solar compatible home EV chargers are becoming more and more popular in the UK. These chargers allow you to charge your car with energy from your solar panels. The best solar compatible EV chargers can save you money on charging and reduce your carbon footprint.

Many top EV charger brands now have solar integration. The Easee One is a favourite, with load balancing and smart charging. The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro has various solar charging modes and a user app.

When choosing a solar compatible EV charger you need to consider charging speed, solar compatibility and smart features. Some can even split power between multiple cars so are perfect for households with more than one electric car.

Top Solar Compatible EV Chargers 2025

Solar compatible EV chargers let you charge your electric car with clean energy from the sun. They work with your home solar panel system to charge your car efficiently.

Wallbox Pulsar Max

The Wallbox Pulsar Max is a compact charger. Up to 22kW charging speed. One of the fastest home chargers available. Compatible with all electric cars. Can be controlled via smartphone app.

Features:

Solar compatible
Smart charging
Power sharing
RFID access control

The Pulsar Max charges based on solar production. So your EV uses more solar power when it’s sunny. At night it switches to grid power automatically.

Rolec Qubev Smart

Rolec’s Qubev Smart is a universal charger for domestic and commercial use. It’s tough and weather resistant.

The charger has:

7.4kW charging power
Built in earth leakage and overcurrent protection
OCPP compliant for easy solar system integration

It has smart features for remote control and scheduling. Users can set charging times to match peak solar production. This maximises clean energy and can save you money on your electricity bill.

Hypervolt Home 3 Pro

The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro is all about advanced solar integration. It works with your home solar panel system.

Features include:

Dynamic load balancing
Over the air updates
Energy monitoring via app

The Home 3 Pro can switch between solar and grid power automatically. It prioritises solar power when available so you’re using the cleanest electricity possible to charge your EV.

EO Mini Pro 2

The EO Mini Pro 2 is one of the smallest smart chargers out there. It doesn’t compromise on features or performance despite its size.

Features:

7.4kW charging power
WiFi for remote control
Solar compatible via EO app

It’s perfect for homes with limited space. The charger can be programmed to use excess solar energy so you can maximise your renewable energy usage.

Indra Smart Lux

The Indra Smart Lux is a premium charger with advanced solar integration. Works with existing solar panel systems and home batteries.

Features:

Adaptive charging based on solar output
Home energy management system integration
Over the air updates for future proofing

The Smart Lux can charge from solar panels. It also has load balancing to prevent overloading your home’s electrical system.

Andersen A2

The Andersen A2 is style and substance. Customisable design and smart charging.

Features:

Up to 22kW charging power
Hidden cable storage
Solar compatible via Konnect+ app

The A2 can charge your EV when solar production is at its peak. It’s a stylish addition to any home.

Myenergi Zappi

The Myenergi Zappi is solar specific. It can use 100% green energy from your solar panels or wind turbine.

Features:

Three charging modes: Eco, Eco+ and Fast
Built in energy monitoring
Compatible with Myenergi’s range of products

In Eco+ mode the Zappi only uses excess green energy to charge your EV. So you’re maximising your renewable energy usage.

Easee One

The Easee One is a smart and small charger. Simple and effective. Advanced features in a tiny package.

Features:

Load balancing for up to 3 chargers
Over the air updates
Solar compatible via Easee app

The charger can be set to use excess solar energy so you can make the most of your home solar system. It’s small so it can be installed anywhere.

Ohme Home Pro

The Ohme Home Pro is a smart charger for intelligent charging. Works with solar systems and time of use tariffs.

Features:

Charges during cheapest tariff periods
Solar system integration
Smartphone app for control and monitoring

The Home Pro can be set to charge from solar panels when excess energy is available. This means you can maximise your clean energy usage and save on charging costs.

Home EV Charger Installation and Maintenance

Getting your home EV charger set up right is important. It needs professional installation and regular servicing to work well. Upgrades will be needed as technology evolves.

Installed by a Qualified Electrician

Your EV charger must be installed by a certified electrician. They will check your home’s electrical system can take the charger. They will also ensure it meets safety standards and is compatible with your EV battery.

Installation costs vary. They depend on your home’s layout and electrical setup. Most installs take 2-4 hours. The electrician will:

• Check your fuse box and wiring • Mount the charger • Connect it to your power supply • Test it’s safe

Get quotes from a few electricians. Compare prices and what’s included.

Maintenance Tips

EV chargers don’t need much maintenance. But a few simple checks will keep them working well:

• Check the cable for damage monthly • Clean the plug and socket every few months • Test the emergency stop button yearly • Keep the charger dry and clean

If you notice any strange noises or smells stop using it. Call a pro to check it out.

For tethered chargers, coil the cable up after use. This will prevent damage.

Upgrades and Compatibility Issues

EV tech changes fast. Your charger may need upgrades for new car models.

Some upgrades can be done via software. Others will need new hardware. Check if your charger can be upgraded before buying a new one.

Compatibility with solar panels is important for many. If you have or plan to get solar, make sure your charger can work with it.

When buying a new EV, check it’s compatible with your home charger. Most are but it’s worth checking.

Economics

Solar compatible home EV chargers can save UK households a lot of money. Smart tariffs, battery storage and integrated solar systems can lead to big savings on energy costs and increased energy independence.

Saving Energy with Smart Tariffs

Smart charging allows EV owners to use lower cost electricity during off-peak hours. Many energy providers offer EV tariffs with reduced rates overnight.

These tariffs run from midnight to 5am when electricity demand is lowest. By charging during these hours EV owners can save up to 50% on their energy costs.

Some smart chargers can automatically adjust to these tariffs so the vehicle charges when rates are cheapest. This means maximum savings without any manual intervention.

Battery Storage Systems

Battery storage systems work alongside solar EV chargers by storing excess solar energy for later use. This stored energy can power the home or charge the EV when solar production is low.

While the upfront cost of a battery system is high, it offers long term benefits:

Increased energy independence
Reduced grid electricity reliance
Lower overall energy costs
Ability to charge EVs during cloudy periods

As battery tech improves and prices drop these systems are becoming more accessible to UK households.

Solar EV Charging Station Cost Benefit Analysis

A solar compatible EV charger can save you a lot of money in the long run. The upfront costs are:

Solar panels
EV charger
Installation fees

But the long term benefits often outweigh these costs:

Reduced or no fuel costs
Lower energy bills
Potential to sell excess energy back to the grid
Attractive export tariffs that pay you for your energy

Many UK households find their solar EV charging system pays for itself within 5-7 years. After that the savings just keep rolling in.

Government Grants

The UK government wants to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy. As part of this they offer grants and incentives to homeowners to install solar compatible EV charging systems. Here are the current grants and incentives:

The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS): This scheme offers a grant of up to £350 towards the cost of a home EV charger. It’s to make home EV charger installation more affordable so more people can switch to electric vehicles.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): This scheme pays homeowners who install renewable heat technologies including solar thermal systems. By combining solar thermal with your home EV charger you can reduce your grid electricity usage and lower your bills.
The Feed-in Tariff (FIT): Although the FIT scheme is closed to new applicants existing participants still receive payments for the renewable energy they generate. This includes solar power which can be used to charge your electric vehicle. The FIT scheme is a financial incentive for generating renewable energy to offset the cost of installing solar panels.

By using these grants and incentives homeowners can reduce the upfront cost of a solar compatible EV charging system and lower their energy bills and carbon footprint. These incentives make renewable energy more accessible and help the UK meet its carbon reduction and sustainable energy targets.

Regulation and Environment

The UK government is pushing for clean energy solutions for electric vehicle charging. Solar compatible home EV chargers is the way to meet the regulations and reduce carbon emissions.

UK Regulations

The UK has strict rules for electric vehicle smart charge points. These apply to home and workplace chargers sold in Great Britain. They ensure chargers are safe, reliable and can talk to the grid.

Smart chargers need to have a data connection so they can respond to demand. They must also measure and record energy usage.

Many solar compatible EV chargers meet these requirements. They often come with load balancing which prevents overloading your home electrical system.

Carbon Footprint with Solar EV Chargers

Solar compatible EV chargers can reduce a household’s carbon footprint. They allow cars to charge from clean renewable energy from the sun.

When paired with solar panels these chargers can use excess solar energy to power the vehicle. This reduces grid usage which is often from fossil fuels and used by petrol and diesel cars.

Some chargers can even prioritise solar energy. They will charge the car when solar generation is highest. This uses the most clean energy and minimises carbon emissions.

By combining solar with EV charging homeowners can have a more sustainable transport solution. This is in line with the UK’s targets to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector.

EV Charger Technology Advancements

EV charger technology is moving fast with new features making home charging smarter and more efficient. These are focused on integrating chargers with home systems and solar compatibility.

Smart Home Integration

Modern EV chargers are part of the smart energy system. They can now connect to smart home apps so you can control and monitor charging from your phone. This allows automated charging based on electricity rates and home energy usage.

Some chargers use RFID cards for user identification so you can track and manage multiple vehicles charging. Level 2 chargers which are common for home use now often come with Wi-Fi for remote updates and diagnostics.

Smart chargers can also talk to other devices in the home. For example they can adjust charging speed based on appliance power usage to prevent circuit overloads.

Future of Solar EV Charging

Solar compatible EV chargers are getting smarter. They can now match charging times with peak solar production to maximise clean energy use. Some systems like SolarEdge Home offer integrated solutions that combines solar inverters with EV charging.

Chargers can now prioritise solar power for charging and only draw from the grid when necessary. This ‘solar matching’ feature means EVs are charged with the greenest energy possible.

Looking forward bi-directional charging will become more common. This allows EVs to be used as mobile power banks feeding electricity back into the home during peak demand or power outages. myenergi’s V2G EV charger launching in 2025 will address the barriers to V2G technology and make it more accessible as more V2G enabled electric vehicles come to market.

How to Choose the Right Solar EV Charger for Your Home

Choosing the right solar compatible home EV charger can be confusing. Here are a few things to consider.

First power output. Most home chargers are Level 2 so faster than Level 1. A 22kW three-phase charger will charge compatible vehicles quicker.

Look for smart charging features. These allow the charger to talk to your solar system to optimise energy use.

Tethered or untethered? Tethered chargers have a built in cable, untethered you can use your own.

Check compatibility with your electric car and solar setup. Not all chargers are compatible with all systems.

Build quality and weather resistance. UK weather can be brutal so durability is important.

Look for load balancing. This manages power between your EV and home to prevent overloads.

User friendly apps are a plus. Monitor charging, set schedules and track energy usage.

Don’t forget installation. Some chargers are easier to install than others. Professional installation is often recommended.

And finally check for government grants. These can help offset the cost of your home EV charger.

Electric Vehicles and Home Charging Future

Electric vehicles and home charging will change in big ways. New tech will make charging faster and smarter and renewable energy will play a bigger role.

Public Chargers in the EV Ecosystem

Public chargers will increase in number and speed. By 2025 the UK will have over 300,000 public charge points. These will include ultra-rapid chargers that can add 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Smart chargers will talk to the grid and charge when electricity is cheapest and greenest. This will balance the grid and save drivers money.

Apps and in-car systems will make finding and using public chargers easier. Drivers will be able to book and pay for slots.

Moving to Renewable Energy Sources

Home charging will use clean energy more and more. Many EV owners are installing solar panels on their homes. This means they can charge their cars for free with green electricity.

Smart home energy systems will become more common. These will manage power from solar panels, home batteries and the grid. They’ll make sure EVs charge at the best times.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) will allow EVs to feed power back into homes or the grid. This will turn cars into mobile power banks and help balance renewable energy supply.

As the grid gets greener even EVs charged from the mains will have a lower carbon footprint. This will speed up the transition to clean transport.