Electric Car FAQ

    Charge an electric car with a photovoltaic solar panel

    Given the variety of battery capacities, the number of solar panels needed to charge your EV will vary depending on the vehicle.
    EV battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and can range from around 20 up to 250 kWh
    it is very realistic to charge your EV using solar power

    A consideration for UK weather the impact this has on our charging capabilities. The best advice would be to maintain the main grid connection to allow this to kick in whenever your solar panels fall short. This will be most prevalent in the winter months, so expect to have to purchase electricity from the main grid more often. However, the reciprocal also applies in that you may be able to receive money back from the grid if you end up in a net generation position in the summer.

    Charging your electric vehicle from home

    Smart Energy Tariff

    Take advantage of the cheaper rates electricity available off peak. Usually between midnight and 8am.

    Green Energy Tariff

    Smart energy tariffs are green, because off-peak hours put less strain on the energy grid. For the greenest of green charges though, opt for an energy tariff that relies on wind and solar.

    FIT-Feed in Tariff

    A feed in tariff gives you the power to sell your excess solar energy back to the grid between 3-15p per kW depends on the energy  supplier. encourage the public to ditch fossil fuels, go green and install a solar system.

    You'll need to install a

    • Solar pv system; Take advantage of generating electricity during day light and export electricity to the grid.
    • Solar and battery storage systems;  Take advantage of generating electricity during day light, charge the batteries from solar and night form the grid in cheaper rate and  export electricity to the grid.
    • Battery storage systems without solar pv panels; for houses not suitable for solar, Take advantage of charge the batteries  form the grid in cheaper rate.

    Points

    You're in control of when you plug in and you always know it's free to use.

    How much could you save to charger an EV with solar panel charging at home

    The Energy Saving Trust estimates that an average 4kW solar array in the UK will save you over £400 a year.

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