{"id":5518,"date":"2026-07-15T00:20:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T00:20:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.totalsolarsolutions.com.au\/blog\/?p=5518"},"modified":"2026-07-15T00:33:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T00:33:11","slug":"the-secret-to-charging-your-electric-car-for-free-with-solar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.totalsolarsolutions.com.au\/blog\/news\/the-secret-to-charging-your-electric-car-for-free-with-solar\/","title":{"rendered":"The Secret to Charging Your Electric Car for Free with Solar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Free EV charging is real. It happens when rooftop solar, daytime charging, and a smart EV charger work together to use surplus solar power instead of grid electricity. But the secret isn\u2019t just solar panels \u2014 it\u2019s a properly installed smart EV charger<\/a> that can draw from excess solar energy at the right time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While public chargers and home charging from the grid still cost money, Australian homeowners can significantly reduce charging costs by pairing a properly sized solar system with the right EV charger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll explain why charging is not always free, how smart charging works, when to charge for the best results, and which EV charger options can help you get the most from your solar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out how to time your charging around your solar output \u2014 and which charger makes it possible.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why EV Charging Isn’t Always Free<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is a misconception among drivers that electric vehicles are cheaper to run. Maybe, in some cases, compared with petrol, but that does not mean charging always comes at no cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, you have to pay a steep premium for charging at public stations, as they charge per kWh. Fast chargers are incredibly expensive, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Charging Option<\/strong><\/td>Typical Cost in Australia<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\n
Public fast charging<\/td>around A$0.60\u2013A$0.85 per kWh<\/td><\/tr>\n
Public AC \/ destination charging<\/td>around A$0.30\u2013A$0.50 per kWh<\/td><\/tr>\n
Home charging from the grid<\/td>roughly A$0.25\u2013A$0.40 per kWh, depending on tariff<\/td><\/tr>\n
Solar charging with a smart EV charger<\/td>can be very low, especially when using surplus daytime solar<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n

Home charging from a standard power point also uses electricity from the grid unless you are charging with excess solar energy. If you depend on these options, costs can quickly multiply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why many EV owners are surprised when their electricity bills mount after buying an electric car. Despite this, there is a better way to manage charging costs\u2014if you have solar panels<\/a> on your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Real Secret: A Smart EV Charger Installed at Home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The real secret to low-cost EV charging is not just owning solar panels. It is installing a smart EV charger that can work with your solar system and household load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA smart EV charger truly lives up to its name; it functions as an <\/em>intelligent energy management system<\/em><\/strong> rather than a simple power outlet. It delivers a multitude of operational and financial benefits.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides powering your car, a smart charger functions in multiple ways. It is safe and efficient for home charging and can manage electricity flow around the house. That means it can avoid overloads while making better use of available solar energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared with a regular outlet, a smart EV charger gives you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n