With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, many homeowners in Blackpool and surrounding areas are wondering if they can charge their EVs using solar panels.
The simple answer is yes! By installing solar panels, you can generate your own electricity and use it to charge your EV, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your energy bills. However, to make the most of your solar energy, pairing your system with battery storage is key. This allows you to store excess energy during the day and charge your EV at night – meaning you could effectively charge your car for free!
How Does Solar EV Charging Work?
When you install a solar PV system on your home, it generates electricity from daylight. This energy can be used to power your home appliances or, if you have an EV charger installed, it can go directly into charging your car. However, solar generation isn’t always in sync with when you need to charge your EV. Most people are out during the day when solar energy is being produced and need to charge their EV in the evening.
This is where battery storage comes in. A battery, such as a Tesla Powerwall or an Alpha ESS system, stores the surplus solar energy generated during the day. Then, when you return home and plug in your EV, the stored energy is used instead of drawing from the grid. This way, you are charging your car with 100% self-generated renewable energy, completely free of charge.
Maximising Your Savings with Battery Storage
Without a battery, any unused solar energy is sent back to the grid. While you may earn a small amount through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), the savings from using that energy yourself are far greater. By integrating a battery with your solar PV system, you can:
- Store excess solar energy during the day for use in the evening.
- Charge your EV overnight without relying on expensive grid electricity.
- Reduce your energy bills, as you won’t need to buy as much electricity from your supplier.
- Become more energy independent, protecting yourself from rising electricity prices.
This setup is particularly beneficial in Blackpool, where energy prices have been increasing, and homeowners are looking for ways to cut costs while reducing their carbon footprint.
Which EV Chargers Work Best with Solar Panels?
Not all EV chargers are designed to work efficiently with solar panels. Smart chargers like Ohme, Hypervolt, and Easee have features that allow them to prioritise solar energy for charging your car. These chargers detect when surplus solar energy is available and automatically divert it to your EV, ensuring you get the maximum benefit from your solar PV system.
The Hypervolt charger for example – Features solar integration mode, which allows it to detect excess solar power and use it to charge your EV instead of sending it to the grid. You can also adjust settings via the app to maximise self-consumption.
Solar EV Charging Worth It in Blackpool?
Absolutely! While Blackpool may not always be the sunniest place in the UK, solar panels are still highly effective. Even on cloudy days, modern high-efficiency panels from brands like Jinko, Eurener, and Aiko can generate a significant amount of power. With a properly sized system and battery storage, you can drastically reduce your reliance on grid electricity and keep your EV running on clean, free energy.
Many of our customers in Blackpool have already made the switch and are seeing huge savings on their energy bills. By combining solar panels, battery storage, and a smart EV charger, you can future-proof your home, cut costs, and reduce your environmental impact.
Thinking About Solar EV Charging in Blackpool?
At West Coast Electrical, we specialise in solar panel installations, battery storage, and EV charger installations across Blackpool and the surrounding areas. We work with leading brands like Tesla Powerwall, Alpha ESS, Zappi, Hypervolt, and Easee to provide the best renewable energy solutions for your home.
If you’re ready to start charging your EV with free solar energy, get in touch with us today for a free consultation and quote!
