As more Norfolk households switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and solar power, one of the smartest upgrades homeowners are considering is combining home EV charging with a solar battery storage system. This pairing doesn’t just reduce energy bills — it maximises the return on your solar investment while making your EV truly green.
In this guide, we’ll explain how EV chargers and solar batteries work together, the benefits for Norfolk homes, and what to expect when planning your installation.
When you have solar panels installed, much of the electricity they generate is produced in daylight hours — often when you’re at work and not charging your car. Without a battery, that energy may be exported back to the grid.
A solar battery storage system allows you to store excess daytime solar energy and use it later in the evening to charge your EV. This means:
Free overnight charging – no reliance on peak-time grid electricity
Lower bills – reduce reliance on expensive energy tariffs
Sustainable driving – your EV truly runs on green energy, not just grid mix
Energy independence – less exposure to rising UK electricity prices
Based on local search demand and what we hear from our customers across Norfolk (from Norwich to Fakenham), here’s why this setup is increasingly popular:
Cheaper EV Charging at Home
A full EV charge can add £8–£15 to your energy bill if pulled from the grid. With solar + battery, much of that cost is avoided.
Better Use of Solar Panels
Many Norfolk homes export 30–50% of their solar energy back to the grid. A battery keeps that energy on-site for EV charging.
Government Incentives
Some grants and schemes (like the OZEV EV charge point grant) reduce upfront costs of chargers. Pairing with solar can maximise long-term savings.
Prepared for the Future
As more Norfolk towns adopt low-emission policies, having a solar-charged EV makes you more resilient and future-proof.
A combined system usually includes:
Solar PV panels – generating free daytime electricity
Battery storage (5–10 kWh typical) – storing surplus energy
Smart EV charger – programmed to draw from the battery first, grid second
Some advanced systems also allow “vehicle-to-home” (V2H), where the car battery itself can power the home — though this is still emerging in the UK.
Savings vary by home size, solar system, and driving habits, but as a guide:
Charging an EV purely from the grid: £300–£600/year
With solar + battery: bills can be cut by 40–60%
Payback: many Norfolk homeowners see ROI within 6–9 years, especially with both solar and an EV in daily use.
Roof space – Do you have enough panels to cover your home + EV usage?
Battery size – Larger batteries allow for overnight EV charging, but cost more upfront.
Charger type – Smart chargers work best, as they can prioritise battery energy.
Location – In Norfolk, with longer summer days, solar + EV synergy is especially effective.
Yes, but only when the sun is shining. Without a battery, surplus solar power is exported to the grid if your car isn’t charging at that moment.
A typical EV battery is 40–70 kWh. Home solar batteries are smaller (5–15 kWh), so you won’t usually fully charge your EV just from storage — but you can offset a large portion of the cost.
Costs vary, but as a ballpark:
Solar battery: £4,000–£8,000
EV charger: £800–£1,500
Combined installs may be cheaper than separate projects.
Yes, though savings are higher in summer. In winter, solar output is lower, but a battery still helps you optimise energy use and avoid peak tariffs.