If you have solar panels at home, you might be wondering whether you can combine an EV tariff with solar energy to make charging even cheaper (or even free!). The good news is that many EV owners are already doing just that, using the power of the sun to reduce their reliance on the grid and cut their home charging costs dramatically. But how does it work, and what should you look out for?
- Fixed off-peak rate of 8.5p/kWh between 12am–6am for 12 months
- No exit fees
- E.ON Next Drive Smart is currently E.ON Next’s cheapest EV tariff
- Smart features and eligibility rules apply, so it suits drivers who can reliably charge overnight
- E.ON Next Drive Smart currently advertises an off-peak rate of 8.5p/kWh. E.ON Next Drive advertises 9.5p/kWh between 12am and 6am. Prices and eligibility can vary by tariff structure and customer setup.
* Next Drive Fixed v7 offers fixed priced overnight EV charging 6.7p/kWh between 12am and 7am versus Next Flex standard variable tariff at 27.03p/kWh (national average and will vary by region).
** Next Drive electricity backed by 100% renewable sources, E.ON’s renewable generation assets, agreements with UK generators and the purchase of renewable electricity certificates. The electricity supplied to your home comes from the National Grid. Smart meter required. Exit fees and T&Cs apply.
Charging Your EV with Solar Power
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, which you can use to power your home—and, if you time it right, charge your electric car. However, there’s a catch: most EV charging happens at night when solar panels aren’t producing energy. That’s where combining an EV tariff with smart charging and battery storage can help.
If you have a home battery system, such as a Tesla Powerwall or an alternative like the GivEnergy or Myenergi Libbi, you can store excess solar power during the day and use it to charge your car at night. This allows you to get more value from your solar setup and reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid.
EV Tariffs That Work Well with Solar Panels
Some EV tariffs are designed specifically for households with solar panels and battery storage. Octopus Flux, for example, offers different rates for buying and selling electricity, making it easier to maximise savings if you generate your own power. With this kind of tariff, you can charge your car directly from your solar panels when the sun is shining and export any extra energy back to the grid when it’s not needed.
If you don’t have a battery, but you’re at home during the day, you can still benefit from solar self-consumption, essentially using the power from your panels as it’s generated. Some smart chargers, such as the Myenergi Zappi, can detect when your home is producing surplus solar power and automatically divert it to your car instead of sending it back to the grid.
Should You Combine Solar with an EV Tariff?
If you already have solar panels, it makes sense to look for an EV tariff that allows you to maximise your savings. Some key things to consider:
- Do you have battery storage? If so, you can charge your battery using cheap off-peak energy and solar power, then use that stored energy to charge your car later.
- Can your EV charger use solar power? Smart chargers like the Zappi allow you to charge directly from your panels without needing a battery.
- Would you benefit from an export tariff? If your panels generate more energy than you use, a tariff like Octopus Flux could help you sell it back to the grid at a competitive rate.
The Final Word on Making Solar and EV Tariffs Work Together
Pairing an EV tariff with solar panels is a brilliant way to cut home charging costs, reduce your reliance on the grid, and make the most of renewable energy. The key is choosing a tariff that fits your energy setup, whether that means finding one with good export rates, off-peak charging discounts, or compatibility with smart home energy systems. With the right setup, you could be charging your EV for little to no cost!
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John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
