Is It Better to Charge My EV During the Day or at Night if I Have Solar?

If you have solar panels, whether it is better to charge your EV during the day or at night depends on how your home uses electricity and how your system is set up.

Charging during the day allows you to use solar electricity directly as it is generated. This can be very cost-effective, as it reduces the need to buy electricity from the grid. Daytime charging works best if your car is at home while solar panels are producing power.

Charging at night usually relies on grid electricity, but it can still be cost-effective if you are on a night-rate or off-peak tariff. Many EV owners combine solar during the day with night-rate charging to ensure the car is fully charged by morning.

In many homes, a hybrid approach works best. Solar power reduces overall household electricity usage during the day, while night-rate charging ensures reliable overnight charging when solar is not available.

If you have a home battery, solar energy generated during the day can be stored and then used to support EV charging later. This can shift some daytime solar benefit into the evening.

There is no single correct answer for every home. The most effective approach balances convenience, cost, and how your household uses energy. Smart chargers and energy systems can help automate this balance once configured.