Top 5 EV Chargers for Solar-Powered Homes
Discover the top 5 EV chargers for solar-powered homes, featuring compatibility, charging speed, and smart features for optimal energy use.
Looking to charge your EV with solar power? Here's what you need to know:
Choose based on your EV's needs, solar system size, and desired smart features.
1. Zappi v2.1
The Zappi v2.1 is the go-to solar-compatible EV charger. It's perfect for homeowners with solar panels or wind turbines who want to supercharge their green energy use.
What makes the Zappi v2.1 special?
Got a Type 2 electric vehicle? The Zappi v2.1 has you covered. It works with popular EVs like Tesla, Audi, Nissan, Kia and more.
Here's the tech stuff:
Rated Power: 7kW (1-ph) or 22kW (3-ph)
Rated Current: 32A max
Standby Power: 3W
The Zappi v2.1 is built to last. It's weatherproof, comes with a 3-year warranty, and works indoors or outdoors.
One happy user said:
"Very happy using our Zappi v2 using our solar to charge our ZS. Getting lots of charging done with the car in the carport during lockdown in Melbourne."
Don't have solar yet? No problem. The Zappi v2.1 works as a standard charger now and is ready for when you go solar later.
2. Hypervolt Home 3 Pro
The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro is a 7kW Type 2 EV charger that plays nice with solar-powered homes. Here's why it's worth a look:
Power Output: 7kW AC
Cable Options: 5m, 7.5m, 10m
Smart Modes: Boost, Eco, Super Eco
App Control: Yes
Solar Compatible: Yes
Warranty: 3 years (5 years optional)
The solar modes are:
It costs about £1,050 with standard setup, or from £15.98 per month.
The app tracks energy use and source, helping you keep tabs on power consumption and solar production. The charger also adjusts to your home's power use to avoid overloads.
Want a sleek look? You can dim or turn off the LED lights using the app.
3. Indra Smart Pro
The Indra Smart Pro is a 7kW fast charger that's perfect for solar-powered homes. Here's why it's cool:
It works with your solar panels, schedules charging when electricity is cheap, and has special safety tech.
Power Output: 7.4kW AC
Cable Type: Tethered
Dimensions: 200 x 420 x 130mm
Weight: 3.5kg (no cable)
Protection Rating: IP64, IK10
Warranty: 3 years (can extend)
The Smart Pro has three charging modes:
With the Indra app, you can check charging status, see energy usage, change settings, and find cheaper charging times.
It costs £1099 (with VAT). That's a bit pricey, but it can help cut your energy bills.
A user in northern Scotland said:
The charger worked great after installation, even in our remote area. The attached cable is super convenient.
The Smart Pro connects via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or 4G, and gets remote updates to stay current.
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4. Wallbox Pulsar Max
The Wallbox Pulsar Max is a compact EV charger that packs a punch. It's perfect for solar-powered homes and comes with some nifty features.
Here's the lowdown:
This little powerhouse weighs just 1.3kg and comes in six matte colors. It's tough enough for indoor or outdoor use.
For solar homes, the Pulsar Max really shines. Its Eco-Smart mode lets you charge using:
It's smart enough to spot extra solar energy, so you can make the most of your green setup.
The Pulsar Max is no dummy when it comes to smart charging. It can:
You can control everything through the myWallbox app. Even without internet, you can manage your charging thanks to Bluetooth.
At 7.4kW, it'll add about 50km of range per hour. It works with all Type 2 EVs, so it's a safe bet for most EV owners.
Price-wise, you're looking at about $424.75. You can spread the cost with interest-free payments if you like. It comes with a 3-year warranty, which is always nice.
5. Rolec WallPod SolarCharge
The Rolec WallPod SolarCharge is perfect for EV owners with solar panels. It's all about charging your car with the sun's power.
Here's the scoop:
Solar + Grid mode uses solar first, then grid power if needed. Solar Only? It's ALL sun power.
The 2.4" LCD screen shows you:
Track your charging with the ev.energy app. You can monitor solar generation, use boost mode, and track costs.
No Wi-Fi here. It uses a built-in modem with a roaming SIM card.
Installation takes about 2 hours. Built-in fault detection means no earth rod needed.
Kieron Alsop, Rolec's MD, said:
"We are delighted to launch EV SolarCharge, which is the first of a number of exciting new smart enabled EV charging products due to be released over the next month or so."
Bottom line: If you've got solar panels and an EV, the Rolec WallPod SolarCharge is a solid pick. It's all about making the most of your home's solar setup.
Conclusion
Solar-powered EV chargers are changing the game. They cut costs and shrink carbon footprints. Here's what you need to know:
Money Savings
Solar EV charging saves you cash. AAA found that EVs cost $2,100 less per year to power than gas cars. Add solar, and you save even more.
Environmental Impact
EVs are already greener than gas cars. Solar charging takes it up a notch.
Smart Charging
Top chargers use machine learning and AI to find the best time to charge, saving you countless hours and hundreds of dollar per year.