Can You Use Solar to Power Your EV at Home?

Yes, with the right setup, you can charge your EV at home using solar panels, reducing your energy bills and driving emissions to nearly zero.

As more Irish homeowners make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), the next logical question is: can solar power cover your EV charging needs at home? The answer is yes, and not only is it possible, but it’s also becoming an increasingly popular and cost-effective solution for eco-conscious drivers.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how home solar works with EV charging, how much solar you might need, the savings you could make, and what setup is best for Irish homes.

☀️ How Does Solar EV Charging Work?

Solar panels installed on your roof generate electricity during the day. When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, that excess power can be directed into your EV instead of going to the grid.

This is typically done through a smart EV charger that can monitor energy flow and prioritise solar power when available.

You don’t need battery storage to charge your EV with solar, but pairing a battery with your solar system can allow you to store solar energy during the day and charge your EV overnight.

🚗 How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Charge an EV?

This depends on:

• Your driving habits (how many kilometres per week you drive)
• Your EV’s efficiency (measured in kWh per 100km)
• Your home’s existing energy use

On average:

• A typical EV uses about 15–20 kWh to travel 100 km.
• If you drive 300 km a week, you’ll need around 45–60 kWh per week.
• A 5 kWp solar system in Ireland produces roughly 450–500 kWh per month (seasonal variations apply).

👉 In most cases, a 5–6 kWp system can easily cover home and EV needs for an average household.

Use our guide to understanding kWp to estimate what size system suits your needs.

⚡ Do I Need a Special Charger?

To make the most of your solar production, we recommend a solar-compatible EV charger like the Zappi or Ohme Home Pro. These chargers can:

• Monitor real-time solar generation
• Automatically switch between solar-only or mixed charging modes
• Let you schedule charging when solar is most available

Check out our home EV charger solutions to learn more.

💰 What Are the Savings?

Charging your EV from solar can be incredibly cost-effective:

• Zero fuel cost when solar is available
• Reduced reliance on the grid, especially during the day
• Government grants of up to €300 available for home EV charger installation via SEAI
• Lower motor tax and BIK for EVs

Pair this with feed-in tariffs and you can even get paid for excess energy when you're not charging.

🔧 What Do I Need to Get Started?

Here’s a quick checklist:

✅ A suitable roof for solar (see our solar readiness checklist)

✅ A solar PV system (typically 5 kWp+ for EV + household coverage)

✅ A solar-compatible EV charger (e.g. Zappi or Wallbox)

✅ SEAI grant application (your installer can guide you)

🏁 Final Thoughts

Using solar to charge your EV isn’t just feasible in Ireland—it’s a smart move for your wallet and the environment. With the right system, you can generate clean energy, lower your fuel costs, and gain independence from rising electricity prices.

🔧 Ready to Get Started?