EV Charging with Solar: EV sales are booming in Australia—more than 1 in 5 new car buyers in 2025 are choosing electric. But charging your EV at home can still be expensive if you do not have a smart strategy.
That is where solar + time-of-use (TOU) tariffs come in.
At Prosolar, we help homeowners pair solar with smart EV charging to slash energy costs—and maximise the value of every kilowatt.
In this guide, we’ll explain how you can use solar to optimise TOU EV charging—whether you already own an EV, or you’re planning to buy one soon.
What is Time-of-Use (TOU) Charging?
A TOU electricity plan charges different rates based on the time of day:
| Time | Typical Rate |
| Peak (e.g. 3 pm – 9 pm) | Highest rate |
| Shoulder (e.g. 9 am – 3 pm) | Medium rate |
| Off-peak (e.g. overnight) | Lowest rate |
Charging your EV at off-peak times saves money—but it’s even better if you can charge using free solar power during the day.
How Solar Boosts TOU EV Charging
Here’s how solar makes TOU charging more efficient:
- Daytime charging — You use your own solar power instead of buying expensive grid electricity.
- Solar excess management — Smart chargers can detect surplus solar and send it to your EV.
- Battery + EV charging — If you have a home battery, you can store solar energy for night-time EV charging.
How Much Can You Save?
| Charging Method | Cost per kWh (approx.) |
| Peak grid charging | 40–50c |
| Off-peak grid charging | 15–20c |
| Solar self-consumption | ~0c (free!) |
By using solar to power your EV, you could save hundreds of dollars a year—especially if you drive regularly.
What You Need for Solar-Optimised EV Charging
- A solar system (5–10 kW ideal for EV owners)
- A smart EV charger (with solar tracking)
- Time-of-use energy plan
- Optional: home battery for full flexibility
When Should You Charge Your EV?
| Time | Charging Option |
| Midday (solar peak) | Best: use solar for free charging |
| Afternoon (solar + TOU shoulder) | Good option |
| Night (off-peak grid rate) | Good if no solar available |
With solar + smart scheduling, you can charge at the cheapest times—without lifting a finger.
Real-Life Example
1. John, VIC homeowner with 7 kW solar + EV:Before solar:
- 400 km/week EV charging = ~$35/week in grid costs.
- ~70% of charging powered by solar.
- Grid cost down to ~$10/week.
Annual savings: ~ $1,300!
Want Help Setting It Up?
If you are:
- About to install solar
- Already have solar but want to add EV charging
- Unsure which charger or tariff to choose
Our experts can help.
Want to Know Which One is Best? Call Prosolar Today
Call 1300 181 191 and our experts will give you FREE advice on:
- Solar sizing for EV drivers
- Best EV chargers for solar integration
- TOU tariffs that work for your home
- Whether adding a battery makes sense for you
Save money, charge smarter—talk to Prosolar today!
