Can You Charge an EV with Solar in South Africa? Complete 2026 Guide

Solar EV Charging: The Ultimate Load Shedding Solution

Yes, you can absolutely charge your EV with solar panels – and in South Africa’s sunny climate, it’s one of the smartest investments for EV owners, providing near-zero running costs and load shedding independence.

A properly sized solar system (5-8kW) with battery storage (10-15kWh) can provide:

40-70km of EV range per day from solar alone
Zero fuel costs after 3-4 year payback period
Complete charging independence from the grid
Backup power for home during load shedding
Property value increase of R100,000-R150,000

System Requirements and Costs

Option 1: Solar-Only Charging (R80,000-R120,000)

System: 5kW solar array (16-20 panels)

Daily generation: 20-25 kWh (110-140km EV range)
Best for: Daytime home charging
Limitation: No charging during load shedding or at night
Payback: 4-5 years

Option 2: Solar + Battery Storage (R120,000-R180,000) – RECOMMENDED

System: 5kW solar + 10kWh battery + hybrid inverter

Daily capacity: 10kWh stored + 15kWh direct = 25kWh total
EV range provided: 140km per day
Load shedding protection: Full independence
Payback: 3-4 years (faster with load shedding)
Bonus: Home backup power during outages

Option 3: Large System for Heavy Use (R180,000-R250,000)

System: 8kW solar + 15kWh battery

Daily capacity: 35-40 kWh (220km EV range)
Best for: Multiple EVs or high daily mileage
Features: Excess power feeds back to home

Real-World ROI Calculation

Example: 50km/day Commuter

Without Solar:

Annual electricity cost: R16,973 (R5.15/kWh)
5-year cost: R84,865

With Solar (R150,000 system):

Year 1: R150,000 investment
Annual electricity savings: R16,973
Payback period: 3.3 years
Years 4-10: Pure savings (R118,811 total)
System lifespan: 20-25 years

Total 10-year benefit: R119,730 net profit (after recovering initial investment)

☀️ Get Solar Quotes: Visit our Charger Installation page for solar + EV charger packages from certified installers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar panels do I need to charge an EV in South Africa?

For average use (50km/day), you need a 5kW system (16-20 panels) generating 20-25 kWh daily. This provides 110-140km of EV range. Add 10kWh battery storage (R120k-R150k total) for night charging and load shedding protection.

Can I charge my EV with solar during load shedding?

Yes, with battery storage. A 5kW solar system with 10kWh battery (R120k-R180k installed) provides complete load shedding independence, storing excess solar energy during the day for evening/night charging.

What’s the payback period for solar EV charging?

With South African electricity at R5.15/kWh and solar systems at R120k-R180k, payback is typically 3-4 years. After that, you’re charging for free for the next 15-20 years, saving R17k-R27k annually.

Is solar EV charging worth it in South Africa?

Absolutely. A R150k solar system pays for itself in 3-4 years through fuel savings, then provides free charging for 20+ years. Total 10-year benefit is R120k-R180k profit, plus load shedding independence and increased property value.

Can solar panels charge my EV and power my house?

Yes. A 5kW system generates 20-25 kWh daily – enough for both your EV (9kWh for 50km) and home (10-12 kWh). Excess power can be stored in batteries or fed back to power other appliances during load shedding.