As electricity prices in South Africa continue to rise, homeowners are increasingly turning to solar-powered EV charging as a long-term, cost-effective solution.
But to unlock the real savings, your EV charger needs to be supported by a properly designed solar system — not just panels on a roof.
That’s where Smart Tech solar solutions come in.
Why a Dedicated Solar Solution Is Essential for EV Charging
Charging an electric vehicle from the grid can quickly become expensive, especially at peak residential tariffs. A Smart Tech – designed solar solution ensures that:
- Your EV is charged primarily using solar energy
- Grid electricity usage is minimised
- Your investment delivers a measurable financial return
This example is based on a typical Smart Techs residential EV solar setup.
Smart Tech’s EV Solar Charging Scenario
Assumptions Used
- Average SA electricity tariff: R3,50 / kWh
- EV driving distance: ±1,500 km per month
- Grid electricity avoided: 270 kWh per month
- Charging during daylight via solar
These assumptions align with real-world usage patterns we see across South African households.
Recommended Smart Tech’s Solar EV Solution
To support reliable and cost-effective EV charging, Smart Tech recommends:
- A hybrid solar inverter capable of EV load management
- Sufficient solar PV capacity to cover daytime charging
- Battery integration for flexibility and backup power
- A smart EV charger integrated into your solar system
This solution ensures your EV charging is prioritised when solar production is highest.
Initial Investment
Estimated once-off investment: R48,999
This includes:
- EV charger hardware
- Solar panels; inverter and batteries to provide solar electricity for the charging solution
- Professional installation by qualified technicians
- CoC certificate on completion
Monthly Savings with a Smart Tech Solar EV System
By charging your EV from solar instead of grid electricity, your household avoids buying power at peak tariffs.
Monthly Savings
- 270 kWh × R3,50/kWh = R945 per month
That’s a direct reduction in energy and transport costs every month.
Annual Savings
Over a year, the savings become substantial:
- R945 × 12 = R11,340 per annum
These savings are achieved without changing your driving habits — simply by charging smartly using solar energy.
Payback Period: When Your System Pays for Itself
Based on the above figures:
- Initial investment: R48,999
- Annual savings: R11,340
Estimated Payback Period
≈ 4.4 years
After this point, your EV charging is effectively powered by free solar energy, while your system continues delivering value for years to come.
Why Choose Smart Tech’s for Your EV Solar Solution?
✔ Purpose-Built EV Solar Design
We design solar systems specifically to support EV charging — not generic solar installs.
✔ Optimised for South African Conditions
Our solutions account for local tariffs, sunlight levels, and load-shedding realities.
✔ Scalable & Future-Ready
Whether you add a second EV or expand battery storage later, your system is built to grow.
✔ Long-Term Savings
A well-designed solar EV system delivers predictable, long-term cost reductions.
Is a Smart Tech’s Solar EV Solution Right for You?
This solution is ideal if you:
- Own or plan to buy an electric vehicle
- Already have or want to install solar PV
- Want to reduce reliance on Eskom and municipal tariffs
- Prefer a system designed for real-world EV usage
Final Thoughts
With an average electricity tariff of R3,50/kWh, solar EV charging supported by a Smart Tech solar solution offers a clear financial return, with a payback period of approximately 4.4 years.
As tariffs rise and EV adoption increases, investing in a properly designed solar EV system today puts you ahead of the curve.
Ready to Power Your EV with Solar?
Speak to Smart Tech about a custom solar EV charging solution tailored to your home, driving habits, and future energy needs.
FAQ Section
Yes. With rising electricity tariffs in South Africa, charging an electric vehicle using solar power can significantly reduce monthly energy costs. Based on an average tariff of R3,50 per kWh, a solar EV charging solution can pay for itself in approximately 4.4 years.
A typical electric vehicle driving around 1,500 km per month uses approximately 270 kWh of electricity. When charged using solar power, this electricity can be generated on-site, avoiding grid electricity costs.
Charging an EV with solar power instead of grid electricity can save around R945 per month, or approximately R11,340 per year, based on an electricity tariff of R3,50 per kWh.
With an initial investment of approximately R48,999 and annual savings of about R11,340, the estimated payback period for a solar EV charging solution is around 4.4 years.
Yes. EV charging places a significant load on a home electrical system. A properly designed solar solution, such as those provided by Smartechs, ensures your inverter, solar panels, and optional battery storage can safely and efficiently support EV charging.
Yes, if your solar system includes battery storage. A Smartechs hybrid solar solution with batteries allows EV charging to continue during load shedding, provided sufficient stored or solar energy is available.
Yes. While solar production is reduced on cloudy days, a well-designed system can still generate power. Any shortfall can be supplemented by battery storage or the grid if required.
Smart Tech designs solar solutions specifically for EV charging in South Africa. Each system is tailored to your driving habits, solar potential, and energy usage, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and long-term savings.
