With the sales of electric vehicles continuing to rise according to the latest SIMI figures, many drivers are looking for smarter, greener, and more cost-effective ways to power their cars. One of the most efficient and sustainable solutions? Charging your EV using solar energy generated right from your own roof. Installing solar panels at home to charge your EV isn’t just environmentally friendly it’s a move that can dramatically reduce your long-term energy costs and bring you closer to energy independence. But before you take the plunge, there are a few important things to consider. Here’s everything you need to know before installing solar for your EV with expert help from the team Activ8 Solar Energies.

Why Solar for EV Owners Makes Sense

EVs are already a cleaner alternative to petrol or diesel vehicles. But if you’re charging your car with electricity from the national grid, your power still comes from a mix of renewable and non-renewable sources. Solar panels allow you to generate 100% clean electricity from the sun, right at home. That means your EV becomes not just electric, but truly zero-emission from start to finish. There’s also the financial side. With energy costs rising across Ireland, solar panels offer a smart hedge against future price increases. Once installed, the energy they generate is free. If you drive an average of 15,000km a year, charging from your own solar system could save you €800-€1,000 annually in electricity costs alone. Beyond that, solar power gives you independence from the grid, especially when paired with battery storage and smart charging technology. You’ll be less vulnerable to power outages or peak pricing and more in control of your household energy use.

Key Considerations: Orientation, Shading & Roof Space

Before installing solar panels, it’s important to assess whether your home is well-suited for solar generation. Here are the key physical factors to consider:

Roof Orientation: In Ireland, the most efficient solar panel performance comes from roofs facing south. However, east- and west-facing roofs can also deliver strong results, especially with well-designed systems that maximise sunlight capture throughout the day.

Shading: Nearby trees, chimneys, or buildings can cast shadows on your panels and reduce performance. A site survey by Activ8 Solar Energies will determine how much shading you might experience and whether it's worth trimming trees or adjusting panel placement.

Available Roof Space: To effectively charge an EV and support your household energy needs, a typical home might require 6-12 panels. That’s roughly 10-20 square metres of roof space. Again, Activ8 Solar Energies can help assess whether your roof is large and strong enough to support a full system, including any battery units you may want to include!

Smart Home Integration: Getting the Most from Your System

Solar panels aren’t just about generating energy, they’re part of a larger ecosystem that includes your home, your car, and your technology. Smart home integration can help you make the most of your investment. By pairing your solar system with a smart EV charger, you can charge your car when the sun is strongest or when excess solar energy is available. Some chargers can even detect when you’re producing more solar energy than you’re using, and automatically send that energy to your EV. Add in a home battery system, and you can store unused solar energy during the day and use it at night to power your home or continue charging your car. The whole setup can be monitored and controlled through apps, so you always know how much power you’re producing, using, and saving.

Grants & Guidance: How SEAI Can Help

Installing solar panels is a long-term investment, and there’s good news for homeowners in Ireland: SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) offers generous grants to help reduce upfront costs. The Solar Electricity Grant from SEAI currently offers up to €2,400 towards the installation of a solar PV system for homes built before 2021. There’s also a €300 grant available for home EV charger installation under the Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant Scheme. Activ8 Solar Energies, as an SEAI-registered installer, can help guide you through the grant application process. From paperwork to inspections, the process is simple when you’ve got expert support and it can significantly reduce your initial costs.

Your Pre-Install Checklist & Where to Get Started

Before going ahead with installation, take a few minutes to review this quick checklist:

• Is your roof in good condition and free of major shading?

• Do you have enough space for at least 6–10 panels?

• Have you spoken with a qualified solar installer?

• Are you eligible for SEAI grants?

• Do you plan to include a smart EV charger and/or battery?

• Are you ready to reduce your electricity bills and drive green?

If you’ve ticked most of those boxes, it’s time to take the next step and Activ8 Solar Energies is ready to help.

With over 17,000 installations across Ireland and years of experience helping homeowners embrace solar, Activ8 offers tailored solutions designed for EV owners. Whether you’re charging your first electric car or upgrading your entire energy system, the team can walk you through every step from consultation and design to installation, grants, and aftercare. With free consultations, expert advice, and top-tier technology to ensure you get the most out of your solar investment, its time to build a greener more independent energy future starting with your roof and your EV.

Ready to make the switch? Get in touch with Activ8 Solar Energies today and see how solar can power your journey.