Australia has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar in the world. However, many homeowners still send their excess energy back to the grid for a low feed-in tariff. Solar-smart EV charging is the best way to flip the script and use that clean energy yourself. By aligning your car’s charging needs with your panels’ production, you can drive for nearly zero cost.
What is solar-smart EV charging?
Standard chargers often draw power from the grid, regardless of its source. A smart electric vehicle (EV) charger communicates directly with your solar system. It monitors how much excess energy your home is producing. Instead of letting that power “leak” back to the grid, it directs it straight into your vehicle’s battery.
This process is often called “solar soaking.” It ensures that your car acts as a secondary storage unit for your home. You won’t have to rely on expensive peak-hour electricity to get around town.
Powering up your EV with solar
If you’re thinking of buying an EV, adding an EV charger to your solar system is a smart way to “fuel” your car with clean, renewable energy.
Why Australians need an EV charger for solar
The Australian energy market is changing rapidly. Feed-in tariffs (FiTs) are dropping across most states. Meanwhile, buying power from the grid can cost 30 to 45 cents per kWh.
Using a solar charger creates a massive “price gap” in savings. Every kilowatt you keep for yourself is worth three to four times more than what the power company pays you. It is the most effective way to improve your solar ROI.
Key benefits of solar-smart charging:
- Lower running costs: Driving on sunshine is significantly cheaper than petrol or grid power.
- Reduced carbon footprint: You ensure your “green” car is actually running on 100% renewable energy. Use Energy Matters’ carbon footprint calculator to estimate your household and business’s direct emissions.
- Grid independence: You become less vulnerable to rising electricity prices and peak demand charges.
- Battery health: Smart chargers can manage delivery rates to keep your battery in peak condition.
How smart EV chargers work with solar
To use your own solar, your charger needs to be “solar-aware.” This usually requires a current transformer (CT) clamp or a smart meter installed in your electrical box.
1. Excess energy detection
The system measures the “export” power. If your home is using 2kW and your solar is producing 7kW, you have 5kW of “excess” energy.
2. Modulating the charge rate
A smart EV charger can adjust its output in real-time. If a cloud passes over, the charger slows down so it doesn’t pull from the grid. When the sun comes back out, it ramps the speed back up.
3. Integration with inverters
Many modern chargers integrate with popular inverter brands. This enables seamless data sharing and greater control through a single smartphone app. Check our page for our recommended solar inverter products.
Key features to look for in a smart EV charger
When looking for solar quotes for EV chargers, you shouldn’t just buy the cheapest option. Look for these specific “solar-smart” features:
- Eco-mode (solar only): The charger starts only when there is sufficient excess solar power available.
- Boost mode: This lets you override solar settings to quickly charge the battery fully for a long trip.
- Scheduled charging: Set your car to charge during off-peak windows if the sun isn’t shining.
- App connectivity: You should be able to track exactly how much solar energy your car is using.
Maximising your self-consumption
To get the most out of solar-smart EV charging, you need to change your habits. Most people are used to plugging in their cars at night when they get home from work.
In Australia, the “solar window” is typically between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you work from home or have days off during the week, this is the golden time to charge. Even if you aren’t home, some smart chargers let you plug in and “wait” for the sun to reach a certain threshold.
Steps to increase solar use:
- Check your solar system size: You generally need at least a 5kW to 6.6kW system to effectively charge an EV while running home appliances.
- Use a timer: Program your charger to start at midday.
- Upgrade your inverter: Ensure your inverter is compatible with smart energy management systems.
- Monitor weather: Use apps to predict high-generation days and plan your heavy charging then.
Choosing the right solar charger for your home
There are several high-quality brands available in the Australian market. Check our page for our recommended solar EV charger products.
When requesting solar quotes for EV chargers, ask the installer about “dynamic load balancing.” This feature protects your home’s main fuse by preventing the car from drawing too much power when the oven or air conditioner is running.
Installation considerations in Australia
Installing a solar-smart EV charger is not a DIY job. You must hire a licensed electrician experienced with EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).
Phase 1 vs Phase 3
If you have a Three-Phase power supply, you can charge much faster (up to 22kW). However, most Australian homes are Single-Phase, which limits charging to about 7kW. Even on Single-Phase, solar-smart charging is highly effective for daily commuting.
Cable length and placement
Think about where your solar inverter is located compared to your garage. Shorter cable runs are generally cheaper and more efficient. Ensure the charger is mounted in a spot that is easy to reach, regardless of how you park your car.
Future-proofing with V2H and V2G
The next frontier of solar-smart EV charging is Vehicle-to-Home (V2H). This allows your car to power your house at night using the solar energy you collected during the day.
While this technology is still in the early stages in Australia, buying a high-quality smart charger now sets the foundation. It turns your car into a rolling home solar battery storage, potentially saving you thousands on a fixed wall battery.
Use Energy Matters’ easy-to-use solar power and battery storage calculator to determine the size of your solar system with storage! Our solar calculator will generate performance information and potential savings.
We can send this information to 3 of our pre-vetted, trusted local installers in your area to receive obligation-free solar quotes and take the first step toward true energy independence!
Get started with Energy Matters
Solar-smart EV charging in Australia is a smart way to reduce costs and emissions. With the right system, you can maximise your solar power and efficiently charge your EV.
Why choose Energy Matters?
Energy Matters is a trusted name in solar solutions across Australia. They provide:
- Solar expert advice
- Competitive solar quotes for EV chargers
- Quality installations
- Ongoing support
Ready to stop wasting your excess solar energy? At Energy Matters, we connect you with the best local installers to help you transition to a cleaner, cheaper lifestyle.
Don’t let your hard-earned solar power go back to the grid for pennies. Start driving on sunshine and take control of your energy future. Our network of experts can help you find the perfect EV charger solar solution tailored to your home.
