How to run your electric vehicle on sunshine in Western Australia
Thinking about getting an electric vehicle (EV)? Or already have one sitting in your driveway? Here’s even better news — you can charge it at home using solar power, and drastically cut your running costs.
At Solar You, we help WA homeowners create smart solar setups that power their homes and their cars. Here’s how to make solar + EV charging work for you.
☀️ Yes, you can charge your EV with solar panels
When your solar system generates electricity during the day, it powers your home first. If your car is plugged in at the same time, it can soak up that solar energy too.
Depending on the size of your system and how much power your household is using, you might be able to charge your EV for free — or close to it.
🔋 How many solar panels do I need to charge an EV?
A typical EV uses about 6–10 kWh of energy for a standard daily drive (around 30–50 km). That’s roughly what a 1.5–2.5 kW solar system produces on a sunny Perth day.
So if you already have a 6.6kW system, you might already be generating enough solar to run both your home and your car — especially if you charge during the day.
✅ Pro tip: If you’re thinking about getting an EV soon, talk to us about sizing your solar system to suit.
🔌 Do I need a special EV charger?
You can plug your EV into a standard power point, but it charges slowly — and it won’t take full advantage of your solar.
A dedicated EV charger (like a wall-mounted unit) charges your car much faster and more efficiently. Some “smart” chargers can also:
- Prioritise solar energy
- Delay charging to cheaper off-peak times
- Monitor your charging stats in real time
At Solar You, we can recommend and install a charger that suits your vehicle, lifestyle, and solar setup.
🌓 What if I want to charge at night?
This is where a solar battery comes in. During the day, your panels can charge the battery. Then at night, that stored solar power can charge your EV while you sleep.
With the new WA battery rebate (up to $5,000), it’s now more affordable than ever to build a system that works day and night.
🚗 Why solar + EV just makes sense in WA
- WA’s sunshine makes solar charging incredibly effective
- You can slash your “fuel” costs to just a few cents per km
- You’re powering your car with clean, renewable energy
- It adds serious value to your home for future buyers
Ready to drive on sunshine?
Whether you’ve already got an EV or you’re planning ahead, we’ll help you design a solar system that powers your home and your wheels — with no stress and no jargon.
👉 Let’s chat about your setup — the Solar You team is here to make it easy.
