Why solar + EV makes sense
An electric car driven 8,000 miles per year uses about 2,400 kWh of electricity. At the standard grid rate (24.5p/kWh), that costs £590/year. Charge from solar and that drops to £0. Even at 50% solar self-consumption, you halve the cost to £295.
The combination of solar panels, a battery, and an EV is the ultimate energy independence setup. Your roof powers your home and your car.
What system size do you need?
For household electricity plus EV charging, you'll need more panels than a non-EV home:
| Usage | Annual kWh | System size | Panels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household only | 2,900 | 4 kW | 10–12 |
| Household + EV (8,000 mi) | 5,300 | 5–6 kW | 14–18 |
| Household + EV (12,000 mi) | 6,500 | 6–7 kW | 18–21 |
Most Leeds semis and detached houses can fit 14–18 panels. Terraced houses are tighter — see our terraced house guide for options.
Smart chargers are essential
A solar-aware smart charger (£800–£1,200 installed) automatically adjusts charging speed based on available solar surplus. When your panels are generating 3kW and your home is using 1kW, the charger takes the remaining 2kW. No surplus goes to waste.
Popular models: Zappi (by myenergi, £850–£1,100), Ohme Home Pro (£750–£950), Wallbox Pulsar Plus (£650–£850). The Zappi is the most popular for solar integration in the UK — it reads your generation meter in real-time and adjusts accordingly.
Costs and savings in Leeds
- 5kW solar system: £6,500–£8,500 (see cost guide)
- Smart EV charger: £800–£1,200
- Optional battery (5kWh): £3,000–£4,500
- Total: £7,300–£14,200
Annual savings: £650–£850 (household) + £300–£590 (EV charging) = £950–£1,440/year. Payback: 5–10 years depending on configuration. After that, 15–20 years of near-free electricity and motoring.
Get quotes from Leeds installers who specialise in solar + EV setups.