Introduction
Electric vehicles (EVs) change the way solar households think about energy use. Charging an EV at the right time can mean the difference between maximising self-consumption or earning from a feed-in tariff (FiT). This guide explains how FiTs interact with EV charging and shows you the best practices for savings.
Key Definitions
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Feed-in Tariff (FiT): The credit you receive for each kWh of solar exported.
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Self-consumption: Using your own solar directly, instead of exporting.
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Time-of-Use (TOU): Different rates for charging and exporting at peak/off-peak hours.
Worked Examples
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Daytime charging vs export:
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Export FiT: 8c/kWh
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Grid import: 28c/kWh
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Charging at noon with solar saves ~20c/kWh compared to charging at night.
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Night charging with TOU FiT:
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Off-peak rate: 18c/kWh
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Peak export FiT: 12c/kWh
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Exporting at 5–8 pm may be more valuable than charging then.
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Battery + EV combo:
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Storing solar in a home battery to charge the EV later can increase flexibility, but economics depend on FiT level vs battery cost.
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Best Practices
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Charge your EV during solar production hours whenever possible.
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Check if your retailer offers EV-specific tariffs.
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Use smart chargers to shift charging to low-cost or solar-rich periods.
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Balance export income with the cost of imported electricity.
FAQs
Q1. Should I always charge my EV during the day?
Not always—if your FiT is high, exporting first may sometimes be better.
Q2. Do EV tariffs exist?
Yes, some retailers offer special EV plans with cheaper overnight rates.
Q3. What if I have a small solar system?
Prioritise self-consumption, as your EV can quickly use up exports.
Tools & Next Steps
Use these tools to run your own numbers:
Conclusion
The best EV charging strategy depends on your FiT rate, tariff type, and driving patterns. By aligning charging with solar output and using smart tools, you can minimise costs and maximise the return on your solar investment.