Charging EV at Home using Solar Panels and Solar Battery 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They’re more environmentally friendly than traditional gas-powered cars, and they can save you money on fuel costs. But one of the biggest concerns people have about EVs is charging. How long does it take? Are residential EV charging Stations expensive? And where can I charge my car? Let’s find out!

As of now, there are a variety of home EV charging solutions available for charging an EV at home, including:

Level 1 charging: This slow charging solution is most convenient. You can plug your car into a standard household outlet.

Level 2 charging: This is the fastest type of charging available for home use. These require a 240-volt outlet.

Smart charging: Smart chargers allow you to schedule charging times and take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.

Solar charging: If you have solar panels on your home, you can use them to power your EV charger.

Charging EV at Home using Solar Panels and Solar Battery 

Residential EV charging stations powered with solar panels come with cost and environmental benefits. Solar panels generate electricity, allowing users to avoid expensive grid-supplied power. This results in significant monthly savings, especially for EV drivers who travel on long-distance trips. Furthermore, solar power is clean and renewable, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint. 

To set up an EV charger installation with solar power, install a solar PV system and a compatible dedicated EV charging station in your house. The market has multiple devices and services like solar inverters and batteries that can enable users to charge their EV’s with excess solar energy at peak hours.

Apps like Fronius Watt Pilot and Charge HQ enable this synchronization, utilizing your solar inverter and EV’s charging mechanism for smart charging. To optimize the transition to renewable energy, ensure an optimized electricity tariff, install a sufficiently sized solar PV system, and incorporate energy monitoring to track generation and usage. This enables the effective utilization of clean, renewable energy for EV charging.

How much is the EV Charging installation cost in Australia?

Installing your home EV charging station cost depends on a number of factors. It depends on the level and type of charger. Prospective buyers may compare the type of chargers against cost and time taken to charge in the following table:

Type of InstallationEstimated Cost RangeCharging Time (Average)
Standard Home Charging (Level 1)$2100 – $3,20010-20 hours for a full charge (e.g., Nissan Leaf)
Home Wallbox Charging (Level 2)$3250 – $4,2004-8 hours for a full charge (e.g., Tesla Model 3)
Commercial Charging Station$3,200 – $11,000+Varies based on charger type and power (2-6 hours for Level 2, 30-60 minutes for DC fast charging)
Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging Station$18,000 – $110,000+20-60 minutes for an 80% charge (e.g., Tesla Supercharger)

Can I use solar panels for EV Charging?

Absolutely! Charging EVs with solar panels is one of the most green and environmentally clean idea that you can execute. Now, you have a comparison as to which EV charger installation would fit according to the cost and need. all you need to do is take quotes from a few solar panel installers in Australia and go for what fits you best. The longer the company has been in business, chances are that they will stick around till your warranty expires. 

Solar panels, solar batteries, and EV charging are good combinations.

Savvy’s study has found that 54% of Australian citizens can install solar panels and battery storage at their homes. The new infrastructure comes equipped with technology that can be used to install solar panels and solar batteries. For folks who are wondering if they should install residential EV charging stations should know about a study conducted by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). It found that EV owners with solar panels and battery storage can save between $7,500 and $12,400 over 15 years. 

What are the Best EV Chargers available in Australia?

Fronius Wattpilot: It is a popular choice for home EV charging in Australia. It is available in 11kW and 22kW variants, and it can be installed indoors or outdoors. The Wattpilot has a number of features that make it a good choice for EV charging, including:

Smart charging: The Wattpilot can be programmed to charge your EV at off-peak times, when electricity is cheaper.

Load balancing: The Wattpilot can balance the load between your EV charger and other appliances in your home, to prevent overloading your electrical circuit.

Solar compatibility: The Wattpilot can be integrated with a solar panel system so that you can charge your EV using solar energy.

Tesla Wall Connector: The Tesla Wall Connector is the best choice for charging a Tesla EV at home. It is available in 11kW and 22kW variants, and it is specifically designed to charge Tesla EVs. The Tesla Wall Connector is easy to install and use, and it has a number of safety features.

When choosing an EV charger, it is important to consider your needs and budget. You should also consider the type of EV that you have, as some chargers are only compatible with certain types of EVs.

If you are unsure which EV charger is right for you, you should consult with a qualified electrician. They can assess your needs and recommend the best EV charger for you.

Related articles

What is smart EV Charging? How it works?

Charging EV with Rooftop Solar system

Sign up for our Newsletter