Updated on November 11, 2025
How do you charge your electric vehicles (EVs)?
We’re not asking how to connect the charger to the vehicle. That is (mercifully) self-explanatory. Where are you getting your car-charging power from? Is it coming from solar, the grid, or energy stored in your battery?
Managing energy consumption for electric vehicles can be tricky. There are a few charging stations at forward-thinking shopping centres, but that infrastructure is new even though it’s growing.
At PSC Energy, we are forward-thinking with energy solutions to your energy problems. We understand the ins and outs of the latest energy technology – especially when it comes to solar. A little creativity, some common sense, and a few tools can help you charge your EVs and save you some money (not to mention, the planet).
In this article, you will learn:
- When Should I Charge My EVs from Solar?
- Energy Consumption and EVs
- What Are Examples of Consumption Monitoring?
- Winter vs. Summer: Seasonal Considerations for Charging Your EVs from Solar
- Tools and Techniques to Monitor and Adjust Charging Your EVs from Solar
- FAQ: EVs
By the end of this article, you’ll be reconsidering your EV charging to maximise your energy consumption.
Let’s look at how to do this effectively, and why it matters.
When Should I Charge My EVs from Solar?
Charging your EVs at the same time can overwhelm your solar and battery systems. For example, charging two EVs that each need to be plugged in for three hours can be a lot of energy all at once.
Problem: Your solar panels might not generate enough power to charge both cars at once. As a result, your system will start drawing power from your solar battery. Once the batteries are depleted, your system will then pull energy from the grid. This increases your energy bills. You didn’t invest in solar and a battery to keep paying your energy retailer.
Solution: Consider staggering the charging times to use solar power more efficiently throughout the day.
Imagine you start charging one car at 8:00 AM when the sun is up. By 11:00 AM, it should be topped up. It is early enough in the day that your solar panels will generate enough energy to directly power the car without draining your battery storage.
After the first car is done, you can start charging the second car at 1:00 PM. By 4:00 PM, it should also be topped up. Hopefully, this is completely from your solar.
Ideally, your solar panels should cover your household energy needs and charge your EVs. A big solar setup, like 30kW of panels with multiple Powerwalls, can support heavy energy use. You want to keep those Powerwalls charged up for nighttime use.
By monitoring your energy consumption, you can keep your batteries charged (or charging) all day (while still charging your EVs) and have more than enough energy stored for use at night.
This is much better and cheaper than relying on the grid. The grid is expensive and burns fossil fuels. We hate this.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about charging a Tesla with a Powerwall and solar, you might want to check out the following article titled, Guide to Tesla Charge on Solar in Australia – 2024.
Energy Consumption and EVs
What is Consumption Monitoring?
Consumption monitoring is a vocabulary phrase folks in solar like to use. It means “energy usage monitoring,” and it’s a combination of software (an app) and hardware (a battery or microinverters tied together with the Gateway or IQ Controller (the brains).
Consumption monitoring shows you your usage patterns so you can make changes. This information can be applied to maximise your solar efficiency.
Importance of Consumption Monitoring:
You want your solar and battery systems to be efficient. Use this tool. By keeping track of your energy usage, you can decide how and when to produce, store, and consume your energy. Then, apply what you learned to your energy usage habits.
It will save you money. We’ve said this before in many articles. We love repeating this.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about consumption monitoring, you might want to check out the following article titled, What is Consumption Monitoring?
What Are Examples of Consumption Monitoring?
Avoid Peak Usage Times: If you see that you use the most energy in the evening, you can adjust your daily usage. The example we just used of scheduling your EVs to charge during the day to avoid grid price hikes in the evening is one way you can do this.
Weather Impact: On cloudy days, your solar panels will generate less energy. This isn’t a particularly groundbreaking statement. Solar panels need sunlight. Weather gets in the way.
By monitoring the weather and programming your energy consumption, you can make choices around when to charge your EVs on cloudy or rainy days.
Household Appliances: If you notice that certain appliances consume a lot of energy when you are charging one of your EVs, you can schedule when to use appliances to save energy and money. For example, running your dishwasher at night is an awfully easy adjustment. Just turn it on before bedtime and let it do its magic.
If you’re interested in solar batteries, you might want to check out the following article titled, Are Solar Batteries Worth It in NSW? PSC’s Ultimate Guide for 2025.
Winter vs. Summer: Seasonal Considerations for Charging Your EV from Solar
In winter, solar energy production is lower due to shorter days and less sunlight. The opposite happens in the summertime.
What to Do in Summer:
In summer, you have plenty of solar energy. It is a Bacchanal of light and electricity. Turn on everything just to see what it feels like. Go crazy.
Because there are more daylight hours, and your solar panels produce more power, it’s much easier to manage your energy needs.
Flexible Charging: You can charge your EVs throughout the day, even into the late afternoon. You might not have to stagger that charging process and still have full solar batteries when the sun sets. Although it’s unusual for a home to have more than one EV charger. This flexibility helps in managing your household energy needs.
Additional Uses: With extra solar power, use that energy for additional purposes. Like blasting your air conditioner to Arctic levels because your kitchen turns into a sauna every time you bake a peach pie. Everyone knows about the struggle between the oven and the AC in summertime.
What to Do in Winter:
Charge Timing: In winter, you will need to charge your EVs during the few hours the sun is high in the sky. When the sun is strongest (between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM) plan to charge at least one car in this window. This uses the maximum amount of solar energy available.
Prioritising Essential Needs: Most households need to make some choices around energy in the winter because the solar just can’t contribute as much as it does in the summertime.
Charging your EVs may take priority over less critical loads. Then again, heating your home at night with power from your battery might take priority over charging your EVs. It’s about making the most of the limited solar energy available.
By considering seasonal factors, you’ll be able to better manage your energy usage, maximise your solar, and keep your electric vehicles charged in an economical and environmentally friendly way.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how the time of year and solar panel installation affects your year-round energy usage, you might want to check out the following article titled, Which Way Should Solar Panels Face in Australia?
Final Thoughts from Jake Warner, Managing Director of PSC Energy
“You don’t want to charge your EVs from your battery. Charging your EVs—whether you’re lucky enough to have multiple EVs or just one—is best done from the solar on your roof.
Think about it like this: If you charge your EV off your home battery, you’re actually cycling two batteries, and your losses of energy may be greater than you think.
So, my advice is to always try and charge during the day where you can, and never try and deplete your home battery for the benefit of filling your EV.”
The Future of EVs is Looming Charge
Managing how and when you charge your EVs can make a huge difference in your energy bills. By staggering charging times and monitoring energy use, you can make the most of your solar power and battery storage.
It all comes down to monitoring your energy use and making changes based on the data.
We hate the grid. We want you to reduce your reliance on the grid and keep energy costs down. Whether it’s summer or winter weather, understanding and planning your energy consumption is key to efficient and sustainable living with EVs.
At PSC Energy, we have seen how consumption monitoring can turn customers’ energy usage upside down for the better. We sing its praises often.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about public charging stations, you might want to check out the following article titled, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Guide 2024.
FAQ: EVs
What is the best time to charge my EV with solar?
Charge during the middle of the day when your panels produce the most power. Aim for late morning through early afternoon. A simple window is 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. In that window your solar can cover household loads and your EV at the same time. This keeps your home battery full for the evening and reduces grid draw.
Should I charge two EVs at the same time?
No. Charging two cars at once often overwhelms your solar and drains your home battery. Stagger the sessions. Charge Car 1 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, then charge Car 2 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Your panels will do more of the work and your battery will stay ready for night.
Can I charge my EV from my home battery?
You can, but you should avoid it when possible. Charging an EV from your home battery cycles two batteries. You lose energy in each conversion step. Daytime solar-to-car charging is the most efficient path. Save your home battery for evening and overnight household use.
Why is daytime charging cheaper than night charging?
Daytime charging uses your own solar. Night charging uses your battery or the grid. Grid power is expensive and often dirty. Battery-to-car adds conversion losses. Day charging lowers bills and keeps your battery topped for night.
What is consumption monitoring?
Consumption monitoring tracks how much power your home uses in real time. It shows solar production, battery level, imports from the grid, and exports to the grid. You view it in an app connected to your system’s gateway or controller.
How does consumption monitoring help with EV charging?
It tells you when to start, stop, or slow charging so you stay under your solar curve. You can:
- Start charging when export rises above a set level.
- Pause charging when clouds reduce solar.
- Keep your battery charging while the car charges. This data-driven habit saves money and reduces grid use.
How do seasons change the best time to charge?
Summer gives you long, strong production. You can charge through much of the day and often into late afternoon. Winter gives you a shorter window and a lower solar peak. In winter, charge closer to solar noon and prioritise the car with the greatest need.
What should I do on cloudy or rainy days?
Watch the live production in your app and reduce charging amps. If you still need range, top up at off-peak grid rates overnight and finish with solar the next day. Protect your home battery so you have evening power when the sun sets.
How much solar do I need to charge an EV?
A simple guide is this: every 1 kW of solar can make about 3–5 kWh per sunny day depending on season and location. Many EVs use roughly 12–18 kWh per 100 km. If you drive 40–60 km per day, plan for an extra 6–10 kWh of solar output daily. That can come from system headroom you already have or from a larger array.
Will EV charging drain my home battery before night?
It can if you charge too late in the day or at too high a current. Keep charging in the late morning and early afternoon. Watch battery state of charge. If it starts falling while the car charges, lower the car’s amps or pause the session.
How does time-of-use pricing affect EV charging?
Shift charging into low-cost hours and sunny hours. Use off-peak overnight only when needed. Avoid peak evening rates by arriving home with enough range or by finishing most charging before 4:00 PM–5:00 PM.
Can a smart charger follow my solar output automatically?
Yes, many smart chargers can match charging speed to surplus solar. They sense export and ramp the current up and down so the car “soaks up” excess generation. You set a minimum current and a backup schedule so you always wake up with enough range.
What if my home is three-phase?
Three-phase homes spread loads across three lines. Keep your charger’s installation compliant and balanced. If you also have a battery, design the system so EV charging, battery charge, and household loads stay within phase limits. Your installer will size and wire the circuit to match.
How do I know my EV is charging from solar and not the grid?
Open your monitoring app while the car charges. Look for low or zero grid import and steady solar production. If import rises, reduce the charger current. When export disappears and import stays at zero, you are likely charging from solar.
Do I need a bigger solar system because I bought an EV?
Maybe. If you now import power during daytime charging or your home battery arrives at night half full, consider more panels. Add capacity so your system covers the car, the house, and a healthy evening reserve.
Are public chargers cheaper than charging from home solar?
No, in most cases. Public charging is about convenience and speed. Home solar is about cost and control. Use public chargers for trips and emergencies. Use solar for daily life.
What are common mistakes to avoid when charging my EV?
- Charging two EVs at once on a small array.
- Starting sessions late in the afternoon.
- Ignoring clouds and live production.
- Always charging to 100% when you do not need it.
- Never adjusting amps to match your solar curve.
Does stopping at 80% help anything?
Yes. Many EVs charge slower and waste more energy near 100%. Daily targets of 70–90% work well for battery health and efficiency. Save 100% for long trips.
How do weather forecasts help with EV charging?
They tell you tomorrow’s solar window. If a cloudy front is coming, charge earlier and set a higher target today. If a clear day is ahead, you can delay charging and let the sun do the work.
What household appliances should I move to night to help EV charging?
Run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers outside your EV session. In winter, pre-heat rooms earlier in the afternoon while the sun is strong. The goal is to give your car the midday surplus.
What safety steps should I follow for home charging?
Use a dedicated circuit installed by a licensed electrician. Keep cables off the ground and out of walkways. Follow the charger and EV manuals. Do not charge in standing water. Keep ventilation clear around equipment.
When should I consider upgrading my system?
Consider upgrades if you regularly import power while charging in full sun, if your evening battery reserve is too low, or if you cannot meet your daily driving needs without heavy grid use. Upgrades can include more panels, smarter controls, or a charger that follows surplus solar.
