Charging Your Electric Vehicle with Solar Power in Queensland.
With rooftop solar increasingly common across Queensland, many households are asking the same question: can I charge my electric vehicle (EV) directly from my solar panels? The answer is yes — and doing so can deliver major savings, environmental benefits, and convenience. However, there are several key factors to consider, including the size of your solar system, how you manage your charging, and what tariffs you’re on.
This guide explores how solar and EV charging work together, the role of smart chargers, how to optimise your system size, and what safety and cost factors you should keep in mind.
Using Solar to Charge Your EV
EV chargers can be configured to draw power directly from your rooftop solar system during the day. This allows you to run your car on free, renewable energy rather than electricity purchased from the grid. In practical terms, this means you are effectively using the sun to fuel your transport, which reduces your running costs and lowers your household’s emissions footprint.
Solar charging works best when your vehicle is at home during the day, such as for households with flexible work arrangements or retirees. For others, pairing solar with a battery system can store excess daytime generation to be used for overnight EV charging.
Solar System Size and Capacity
The size of your solar system plays a key role in how effectively you can charge an EV. A 6.6 kW system — the most common size in Queensland — typically provides enough energy to cover normal household loads plus some EV charging during sunny periods. Larger systems, such as 10 kW or 13 kW setups, are increasingly popular and allow for greater flexibility, particularly for households with both an EV and high daytime energy use.
It’s important to consider your EV’s battery size. A Nissan Leaf with a 39 kWh battery will require much less solar energy to fully charge compared to a Tesla Model Y with a 79 kWh battery. The more kilometres you drive, the more solar generation capacity you’ll need to offset that usage.
The Role of Smart Chargers
Smart chargers are a key tool for maximising solar charging. These devices can schedule charging sessions to align with peak solar generation times, or even dynamically adjust charging speed to match available surplus solar power in real time. This avoids drawing unnecessary power from the grid and ensures your EV charging is as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
Some advanced systems also allow integration with home batteries, giving you full control over when to charge your EV from solar, when to use stored battery energy, and when to take advantage of cheaper off-peak tariffs.
Tariffs and Cost Savings
Queensland energy retailers are beginning to offer EV-specific tariffs and time-of-use options that can be combined with solar generation for maximum savings. For example, you may be able to schedule your EV charger to run during off-peak hours overnight, or to prioritise charging during the middle of the day when your rooftop solar is producing the most.
By combining solar, smart charging, and the right tariff, households can reduce EV charging costs to a fraction of petrol expenses, making EV ownership even more affordable over the long term.
Safety and Installation Considerations
As with any EV charger installation, safety must come first. Chargers should always be installed by a licensed electrician who understands both solar integration and Australian Standards requirements. Considerations include:
- Ensuring the charger is correctly wired with appropriate RCD/RCBO protection.
- Installing the unit in a location safe from mechanical damage and protected from weather exposure.
- Managing charging cables to avoid trip hazards.
- Periodic inspection and testing to ensure the charger and solar integration continue to operate safely.
A professional installation not only guarantees compliance but also gives you peace of mind knowing your system is safe and optimised for long-term use.
Case Example: A Queensland Household
Consider a household in Hervey Bay with a 6.6 kW solar system and a Hyundai Kona Electric (64 kWh battery). On a sunny day, the system produces more than enough energy to cover typical household use while still providing around 20–25 kWh for EV charging. This allows the Kona to add over 100 km of range without drawing from the grid. By pairing this with a smart charger, the family can ensure that their EV always charges during peak solar hours, effectively driving on sunlight most of the time.
The Bottom Line
EV solar charging is a natural fit for Queensland households, given the state’s abundant sunshine and widespread rooftop solar adoption. By matching your EV charging habits with solar production — and considering smart chargers, battery storage, and suitable tariffs — you can significantly reduce your running costs and environmental impact. The key is to plan your system carefully and work with a licensed installer to ensure safety and compliance.