Electric cars are becoming common across Australia. From city streets in Sydney to suburbs in Melbourne, more families and businesses are choosing cleaner transport.
At the same time, rooftop solar is booming. Australia now has over 3.5 million rooftop solar systems installed nationwide. That means one in three homes already generates its own power.
So it makes sense to combine both.
If you’re considering Solar Panels for Electric Vehicles, this guide will help you understand what to expect before installing.
Why Combine Solar Panels and Electric Vehicles?
Charging your EV from the grid is convenient. But charging it with solar is smarter.
Electric cars need electricity. Solar panels create free electricity from sunlight. When you combine them, you reduce fuel costs and lower emissions at the same time.
This is called Solar and Electric Vehicle Integration — and it’s shaping the future of transport in Australia.
Key Benefits
- Lower charging costs
- Protection from rising electricity prices
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Greater energy independence
- Increased property value
For many households, EV charging can add $800–$1,500 per year to power bills if using grid electricity. Solar helps cut that cost dramatically.
How Solar Panels for Electric Vehicles Work
The setup is simple. Your solar panels produce electricity during the day. That energy flows through your inverter and powers your home first.
Any extra energy can:
- Charge your electric vehicle
- It is stored in a battery
- Be exported back to the grid
With a properly sized system, you can power your home and your car using the sun.
Home EV Charging with Solar Panels: Is It Right for You?
Most EV owners charge at home. It’s convenient and cheaper than public chargers.
Home EV Charging with Solar Panels works best if:
- You have roof space for solar panels
- You park at home during the day
- You drive daily or commute regularly
- You want to lower fuel and electricity costs
If your car is parked during sunlight hours, your solar system can directly charge it. If not, battery storage may help (more on that soon).
What Size Solar System Do You Need?
This depends on your driving habits.
On average:
- EVs use about 15–20 kWh per 100 km
- The average Australian drives around 12,000 km per year
That means an EV may use 2,000–2,500 kWh per year.
A standard 6.6kW solar system can produce around 24–28 kWh per day in many parts of Australia. That’s often enough to power both your home and EV, depending on usage.
A solar expert can assess your energy needs before Installing Solar Panels for EV Charging at Home.
Solar Powered EV Charging System vs Standard Charger
You’ll still need a charging unit. There are two main choices:
1. Standard EV Charger
It runs on solar power first. If there’s not enough sunlight, it takes power from the grid. This is the option most people choose because it’s simple and affordable.
2. Smart Solar Powered EV Charging System
It tracks your solar power in real time. It adjusts the charging speed to use only extra solar energy. This means you use very little power from the grid. This option maximises savings but costs slightly more upfront.
Solar Battery Storage for EV Charging: Do You Need It?
Many homeowners ask this. If your car is parked during the day, you may not need a battery.
But if you charge mostly at night, Solar Battery Storage for EV Charging makes sense.
Here’s how it helps:
- Stores excess solar energy during the day
- Let’s you charge your EV at night
- Reduces grid dependence
- Provides backup power during outages
While batteries increase upfront cost, they offer long-term energy control and security.
Residential Solar EV Charging Solutions for Businesses
It’s not just homeowners benefiting. Small and medium businesses are also installing EV Charging Stations Powered by Solar Panels.
This works well for:
- Delivery fleets
- Company cars
- Retail car parks
- Office buildings
Benefits include:
- Lower operating costs
- Strong sustainability branding
- Attracting eco-conscious customers
- Potential tax benefits
For businesses transitioning to electric fleets, Solar Energy for Electric Car Charging offers long-term savings and environmental leadership.
Things to Consider Before Installing
Before committing, ask yourself:
1. How Much Do You Drive?
Higher mileage means higher charging needs.
2. Is Your Roof Suitable?
North-facing roofs in Australia perform best.
Shade, tilt angle, and space also matter.
3. Do You Plan to Buy an EV Soon?
It’s smart to future-proof your solar system.
You can size it slightly larger if you plan to switch to an EV later.
4. What Is Your Budget?
Start with solar panels first if the budget is tight.
Add batteries later when ready.
Are Solar Panels for Electric Vehicles Worth It?
For most Australians — yes. Energy prices continue to rise. EV adoption is growing fast. Solar technology is more affordable than ever.
Combining both offers:
- Predictable charging costs
- Cleaner energy
- Long-term savings
- Greater independence from the grid
It’s not just about savings. It’s about control.
Solar Panels for Electric Cars: What You Should Know Before Installing
