As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular across the UK, many homeowners are asking an important question:
Can I use solar panels to charge my electric car?
The short answer is yes—solar panels can charge your EV, and doing so can dramatically reduce your reliance on the grid, cut your energy bills, and help you drive on clean, renewable energy.
In this article, we’ll explain how solar charging works, what setup you need, and how to get started with a home EV charge point.
We’ll also show how Fit Solar can help you make the most of both your solar power and your EV.
How Does Solar EV Charging Work?
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours. When your system produces more power than your home is using, the excess energy can be directed to your EV charger, powering your vehicle with free, renewable electricity.
To do this effectively, you’ll need:
- A solar PV system (panels and inverter)
- A home EV charge point
- Ideally, a solar-compatible charger or smart charger
- Optional: solar battery storage to store excess energy for evening charging
With the right setup, you can charge your car for free during the day and even supplement evening charging if you have a battery installed.
Benefits of Charging Your EV with Solar Panels
1. Lower Running Costs
Using solar energy to charge your EV helps you avoid peak electricity rates. With the cost of home charging increasing, this can save hundreds of pounds per year.
2. Cleaner, Greener Driving
Pairing solar with your EV means your vehicle is truly powered by clean, renewable energy—reducing your carbon footprint even further.
3. More Value from Your Solar Panels
Rather than exporting surplus energy to the grid at low rates, you can use that energy to charge your car, maximising your return on investment. See more about how to maximise your savings with solar.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Charge an EV?
This depends on your driving habits and vehicle model, but a typical EV (like a Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model 3) requires around 7–10kWh per day for average use.
That means:
- A 3–4kW solar PV system could provide a good chunk of your charging needs
- A larger 6–8kW system could cover both household use and car charging
- A solar battery helps store excess energy for use in the evening or on cloudy days
Every home is different—our team at Fit Solar can assess your energy use and recommend the ideal solar + EV setup for your property.
Do I Need a Special EV Charger for Solar?
Not necessarily—but to get the most benefit, we recommend a solar-compatible charger. These devices can detect when your solar panels are generating surplus energy and direct it to your EV.
We offer a range of modern, efficient EV charge points as part of our EV Charge Point Installation service, and our team can advise you on the best setup for your home and vehicle.
Can I Still Charge from the Grid When Needed?
Yes! Your solar system can provide as much as possible during the day, and you can still fall back on grid power when needed—especially during the winter months or at night.
With smart charging features, you can even set your car to charge when electricity is cheapest (for example, on off-peak night tariffs), giving you a hybrid approach to energy savings.
How Fit Solar Can Help
At Fit Solar, we help homeowners across the Cotswolds and surrounding areas integrate solar power and EV charging for maximum efficiency.
We offer:
- Full EV charge point installation
- Solar panel design and upgrades
- Advice on solar battery storage
- Local expertise and fast, friendly service
Explore our EV charge point installation service to learn more, or contact us to get started with a personalised quote.
Conclusion: Yes—You Can Charge Your EV with Solar Power
If you already have solar panels—or you’re considering installing them—charging your electric car with solar energy is one of the smartest, most sustainable choices you can make.
With the right system design and an efficient charge point, you can power your vehicle from your roof, reduce your electricity bills, and enjoy a cleaner way to drive.
Ready to combine solar energy with EV charging?
Book your EV charger installation today or get in touch to speak with a member of our team.
