How the charger knows what's spare
The charger has to see power moving between your home and the grid. Some makers put the parts in the box: myenergi supplies current clamps with zappi to measure grid import and export. Others need an add-on. Wallbox's solar modes need a power meter installed, and Fronius says the Wattpilot needs additional components for surplus charging.
Sungrow takes a different route. Its AC22E-01 is designed to pair with Sungrow's own hybrid inverters, and some of its modes need one particular model.
How much sun is enough?
There's usually a threshold. Evnex says charging purely from solar needs more than 1.5 kW of solar export. zappi's Eco mode tops up from the grid when the surplus falls below 1.4 kW, while Eco+ pauses instead. Wallbox's Full-Green mode waits until spare solar reaches its minimum level.
On a small system or a dull winter day, expect the grid to fill some of the gap, unless you choose a mode that simply waits.
Solar charging, brand by brand
- Evnex: included on the E2 Core and E2 Plus, a paid software upgrade on the E2 Flex.
- zappi: Eco and Eco+ modes, using the clamps it ships with.
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus: Eco Mode and Full-Green, once a power meter is fitted.
- Fronius Wattpilot: Eco Mode, plus extra components for surplus charging.
- Sungrow: built around Sungrow hybrid inverters.
- Schneider Charge: solar charging through Wiser isn't confirmed.
- BYD and MG: neither maker mentions solar-aware charging.
Questions for the electrician
- Can this charger read my solar export with what's in the box, or does it need a meter or extra parts?
- Where would the clamps or meter be fitted, and is there room on the switchboard?
- Will it work with my inverter and, if I have one, my home battery?
- On an ordinary day, how much surplus do my panels actually export?
What we'd do
Before choosing a brand, we'd find out what the solar system exports on an ordinary weekday, and whether the car is home while the sun's up. If it's parked at work all day, a smart timer on an off-peak tariff may suit you better than solar modes. If it's home, pick the charger that reads your solar with the fewest extra parts for your setup, and have a licensed electrician fit the lot.
Want a specialist to sort it?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match the licence-checked local electrician who does this kind of work, and they call you. No ring-around, and your number goes to them alone.