The starting point

Start with the energy the car needs and when it is plugged in. Solar charging and vehicle-to-home are separate capabilities that require different checks.

Plan around a real week

Write down your usual mileage, arrival time and departure time. A car away from home during the day cannot directly use that day’s solar while it is elsewhere.

Include charging losses when turning driving energy into electricity bought at the meter. Keep EV consumption separate from household demand unless it is already included in your bills.

Choose a charging priority

Possible priorities are a ready-by departure time, use of surplus solar or charging within a cheaper tariff window. Ask how the charger resolves a conflict between them.

If a home battery is also present, the installer should explain how the controls avoid unintended battery discharge into the car.

Treat bidirectional charging as a separate project

For V2H or V2G, check the exact vehicle, charger and control arrangement. A connector shape or a smart-charging feature is not evidence that the complete combination can export energy.

  • Confirm the exact car model and software.
  • Check the charging equipment and service requirements.
  • Assess power-cut backup separately from normal grid-connected operation.