How Solar Batteries Work with EV Chargers

As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity across Australia and the world, homeowners are increasingly looking for smarter, greener, and more cost-effective ways to power their cars. One of the best ways to do this is by integrating a solar battery system with a smart EV charger.

But how exactly do solar batteries and EV chargers work together? Let’s break it down.

⚙️ How It Works

1. Solar Panel Generation

It all starts with your solar panels. During the day, your solar photovoltaic (PV) system generates direct current (DC) electricity from sunlight.

2. Inverter Conversion

That DC electricity is sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) — the type of electricity used in your home and by EV chargers.

3. Battery Storage

If you have a solar battery installed (like a Tesla Powerwall or Sigenergy battery), excess solar power that isn’t used by your household during the day is stored in the battery for later use — such as at night when your EV is parked and ready to be charged.

4. Smart EV Charging

Smart chargers like the Zappi can be programmed to:

• Charge your EV only when excess solar is available
• Blend solar and grid electricity
• Or charge fully by a certain time

This allows for full customisation based on your solar generation, battery status, and driving habits.

5. Charging Your EV

When your EV is plugged in, the charger draws energy from:

• Your solar battery (first priority)
• Live solar power (if available)
• The grid (only when needed)

???? Benefits of Solar EV Charging with Battery Storage

✅ Reduced Reliance on the Grid

With a solar battery, you’re less dependent on the electricity grid — especially during peak times when energy is most expensive.

???? Lower Charging Costs

Charging your EV using solar energy can drastically cut your fuel costs. For example:

• Average electricity cost: $0.26/kWh
• EV uses ~18kWh/100km → ~$4.70
• Petrol vehicle: ~$13.80/100km

Charging from your battery using free solar power? Practically $0.

???? Smaller Carbon Footprint

Charging from solar means no CO₂ emissions and less reliance on fossil fuels. It’s a smart move for the planet — and for future generations.

???? Greater Energy Independence

A combined solar, battery, and EV setup makes your home more self-sufficient and less affected by power outages, price hikes, or supply issues.

⚡ Peak Shaving

During periods of high demand, your battery can supply power instead of drawing from the grid — reducing grid strain and potentially your electricity rates.

EV Growth in Australia

While countries like China, the UK, and France are pushing for all-EV sales by 2040, Australia is catching up. The NRMA recently committed $10 million to build Australia’s largest EV charging network, which will accelerate adoption.

Still, many Aussie EV owners are already taking matters into their own hands by installing solar + battery systems at home — creating their own private charging station.

???? Going Off-Grid or Full Green? Here’s What to Consider

If you plan to:

• Charge your EV overnight
• Run an all-electric household
• Or eventually go off-grid

…you’ll need to assess your solar system size, battery capacity, and EV charging speed. High-speed chargers require inverters and batteries capable of handling high current, particularly in three-phase setups for newer EVs.

Systems like the Sigenergy Gateway HomeMax TP 30K, paired with hybrid inverters and modular battery storage, are ideal for homes with high energy loads or multiple EVs.

???? EV Charging Using Solar: FAQs

Can solar panels charge an EV?

Yes. Solar PV systems generate electricity that can power your EV directly or via a battery.

Do I need a smart charger?

Not necessarily — but smart chargers like Zappi allow for better control, optimised solar use, and faster charging.

How many panels do I need?

That depends on your EV’s battery size and daily driving habits. As a guide, 5–10 extra panels (on top of regular household needs) are often enough to cover EV charging.

⚡ Wrap-Up: Why Solar + Battery + EV Charger Is the Future

Pairing a solar battery system with your EV charger is one of the smartest investments you can make — for your wallet, your home, and the environment.

✔ Charge your EV with solar power
✔ Store energy for night-time use
✔ Avoid peak-hour electricity prices
✔ Cut your fuel bill to almost zero
✔ Reduce your carbon emissions
✔ Future-proof your home

Interested in setting up a system like this? Contact the team at Ballarat Solar Panels today — we’ll help you design a tailored solar + battery + EV solution that suits your home, lifestyle, and budget.

???? Ready to Get Started?
Call us or request a free quote and start driving on sunshine today.