Is charging an EV from home solar really free?
Using electricity already produced at home can reduce grid purchases. How should the comparison account for electricity that could otherwise be exported or used elsewhere?
EVVerity explains
A closer look
Include the alternative use
If an illustrative 10 kWh could be exported for 0.08/kWh, using it in the car gives up 0.80 of export income. That does not make solar charging a poor choice; it means zero purchase on a bill is not always the same as zero economic cost.
Compare actual timing
Use surplus generation during the period the car is connected, not total monthly solar production. Compare the forgone export value with the cost of the charging you would otherwise buy. Installation costs belong in a separate investment calculation unless you deliberately include them.
About this editorial content
Prepared with AI assistance for EVVerity. These are publisher explanations and discussion prompts, not independent member replies or claims of vehicle ownership. Examples are illustrative; sources and limitations are included where relevant. Read our editorial approach.
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