If your home solar EV charger doesn’t have smart EV charging features designed to work seamlessly with a home solar system, it might be time for an upgrade. The market is full of home EV chargers with advanced features, performance claims, and technical details, which can feel overwhelming for EV owners who want to use their home solar systems for home solar EV charging. Don’t worry—we’re here to make the process easier for you.
When selecting the ideal home solar EV charger for your home solar system, the key considerations are the power capacity of your home solar system that will be allocated to the electric vehicle branch circuit and the charging speed requirements of your electric vehicle. All the EV chargers we reviewed are compatible with most home solar systems ranging from 4 kW to 20 kW.
A Level 1 EV charger is suitable for smaller home solar systems (typically 4–7 kW) and requires 1.2–1.4 kW of dedicated solar power (10–12 amps). While it provides slower charging speeds (4–5 miles of range per hour) and lacks smart EV charging features, it is an efficient and cost-effective option for homeowners with an existing solar management system to handle EV charging.
On the other hand, a Level 2 EV charger is ideal for larger home solar systems (8–20 kW), requiring 7.2–20 kW of dedicated solar power (30–80 amps). It offers significantly faster charging speeds (25–70 miles of range per hour) and advanced smart EV charging features, such as load balancing, scheduled charging, and performance monitoring, to optimize solar energy use. For homeowners with an existing solar management system, a smart Level 2 EV charger can complement the home solar management system by providing dedicated solar EV charging management, further enhancing control and energy efficiency in your solar-powered EV charging.
In this guide, we’ll showcase the best home solar EV chargers we evaluated and tested during the design and installation of our own solar-powered EV charging system.
We’ll delve into the key features of each home solar EV charger, highlighting what makes them ideal for solar-powered systems and their competitive advantages. This includes compatibility with solar EV charging accessories, unique installation requirements, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Our insights will help you make an informed decision tailored to your home solar system configuration.
It’s important to note that while our test results offer a reliable comparison of charger performance based on our specific home solar system configurations, your experience may vary depending on the unique specifications and setup of your home solar system.
We’ve tested over 20 of the most popular home solar car charging stations on the market, and our top picks are below:
Table of Contents
Best Home Solar EV Charger
Discover the top-performing home solar EV chargers, expertly reviewed for their efficiency, compatibility, and features to maximize the benefits of your solar-powered system.
We’ve organized the chargers by electric vehicle charging levels, starting with Level 1 home solar EV chargers (Learn more about Level 1 chargers) and followed by Level 2 home solar EV chargers (Learn more about Level 2 chargers).
Within each level, we further classify the chargers based on their EV charging plug and connector types to ensure compatibility with your vehicle, helping you navigate our comprehensive guide to the best home solar EV chargers with expert insights.
Best Level 1 Home Solar EV Charger
We recommend Level 1 Home Solar EV Chargers if you have a smaller home solar system or a dedicated solar energy management system. These chargers require less power (1.2–1.4 kW, 10–12 amps at 120 volts) and charge at a slower rate (typically 4–5 miles of range per hour), making them ideal for smaller home solar systems.
While Level 1 home solar EV chargers (also called dumb EV chargers) often lack advanced smart EV charging features, they are a cost-effective solution, with a lower price compared to Level 2 chargers. They are particularly suitable for homeowners who can manage their home solar circuit and solar EV charging through a separate solar energy management system such as smart meters, ensuring efficient use of solar power without overloading the circuit.
Best Level 1 Solar Charger for Tesla (NACS)
Designed for smaller solar systems (4 kW–7 kW), this Level 1 Tesla NACS solar charger delivers 1.2–1.4 kW (10–12 amps) and provides 4–5 miles of range per hour, making it an excellent choice for Tesla owners seeking slow, efficient charging.
#1 Lectron Level 1 Tesla Charger
The Lectron Level 1 Tesla charger is our #1 recommended Level 1 solar charger for Tesla, its built-in safety features make it ideal for extended Tesla solar charging on a small home solar system delivering up to 1.8kW of power
Lectron Level 1 Tesla Charger Review
The Lectron Level 1 charger delivers up to 1.8 kW of power, making it ideal for slower, steady charging during overnight or extended solar EV charging sessions on a small home solar system.
The Lectron Level 1 Tesla charger is compatible with Tesla and NACS-supported electric vehicles and is well-suited for smaller home solar systems. For safety, the charger is FCC and ETL certified (UL2594 standard) and features built-in protections against overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits—essential safeguards for solar systems without proper energy management.
Best Level 1 Home Solar EV Charger (J1772)
Ideal for compact solar systems (4 kW–7 kW), this Level 1 J1772 solar EV charger operates at 1.2–1.4 kW (10–12 amps at 120 volts) and offers 4–5 miles of range per hour, making it perfect for non-Tesla EV owners looking for a reliable, affordable charging option.
#1 Lectron Level 1 EV Charger (J1772)
The Lectron Level 1 EV charger should be on your top list of Level 1 EV chargers to integrate into your home solar system if you want less stress out of the box.
Lectron 16 Amp EV Charger (J1772) Review
The Level 1 charger delivers up to 1.8 kW of power, offering a slower yet reliable charge, ideal for overnight or extended solar EV charging sessions. Designed for J1772-supported electric vehicles, this charger is perfect for smaller home solar systems. It is FCC and ETL certified (UL2594 standard) and includes essential safety features like overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuit protection—critical for solar systems lacking advanced energy management capabilities.
Best Level 2 Home Solar EV Charger
We highly recommend Level 2 home solar EV chargers if you have a larger home solar system or need faster charging speeds. These chargers typically require more power (7.2–19.2 kW, 30–80 amps at 240 volts) and offer faster charging rates (typically 25–70 miles of range per hour), making them ideal for larger home solar systems.
Level 2 Home Solar EV chargers are equipped with advanced smart EV charging features such as load balancing, scheduled charging, and performance monitoring. These capabilities optimize solar energy usage and enhance charging efficiency.
For homeowners with an existing solar management system, Level 2 chargers can be seamlessly integrated, offering dedicated solar EV charging management that maximizes energy optimization and provides superior control over your solar-powered EV charging.
For homeowners without a solar management system, a Level 2 EV charger can still manage your solar EV charging branch circuit effectively using its smart EV charging features, ensuring efficient use of solar energy while providing robust control over your charging process.
Best Level 2 Solar Charger for Tesla (NACS)
Perfect for larger solar systems (8 kW–20 kW), this Level 2 Tesla NACS solar charger supports 7.2–19.2 kW (30–80 amps at 240 volts) and provides 25–70 miles of range per hour, delivering fast, efficient charging for Tesla owners with higher energy demands.
#1 Tesla Univeral Wall Connector
The Tesla Univeral Wall Connector is our #1 recommended Level 2 solar home charger for Tesla, however for smart EV charging management you also have to install and pair the Tesla App with the Tesla Powerwall or third-party controllers such as Neurio Home Energy management systems to manage solar EV charging.
Tesla Universal Wall Connector Review
The diagram below shows our electrical wiring for Tesla Universal Wall Connector integration with solar panels and Powerwall.
As shown in the wiring diagram above, the Tesla Universal Wall Connector is designed to support a maximum output of 48 amps when installed on a 60-amp circuit breaker, delivering up to 11.5 kW of charging power.
The high energy demands of the Tesla Wall Connector make it ideal for large home solar systems capable of providing high power up to 48 amp circuits to the Wall Connector. For medium and small solar systems, the Wall Connector offers adjustable amperage settings ranging from 12 to 48 amps, enabling seamless integration with your system’s power capacity and optimizing energy usage efficiently.
#2 Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector
The Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector is our second runner-up level 2 solar charger for Tesla, same as the Tesla Univeral Wall Connector you have to install and pair the Tesla App with the Tesla Powerwall or third-party controllers to manage solar EV charging.
Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector Review
Similar to the Tesla Universal Wall Connector, we installed the Tesla Wall Connector on a dedicated 60-amp circuit breaker, as shown below, to support its maximum output of 48 amps. This configuration delivers a charging power of up to 11.5 kW, ensuring fast and efficient EV charging.
#3 Emporia Level 2 Charger with NACS
Our third best Level 2 solar charger for Tesla is the Emporia Level 2 charger with NACS, the Non-Tesla brand Level 2 charger is on top of the best Level 2 solar charger for Tesla list due to its compatibility with the Emporia Vue home energy management system, which allows you to schedule charging, track energy use, automate charge reduction for peak demand and time-of-use and solar only charging in the Emporia app.
Emporia Level 2 Charger with NACS Review
The diagram below illustrates the installation of the Emporia Level 2 Charger with NACS and the Emporia Vue Home Energy Management System in our home solar setup, designed to monitor and manage solar EV charging.
The circuit diagram shows the electrical connections for the Emporia Level 2 Charger, integrated with the Emporia Vue system. Additionally, the diagram highlights the wiring for the Emporia Vue Home Energy Management System, and the EV charger, wire gauges, grounding system, and conduit are also shown. The dedicated circuit breaker is rated for 60 amps, ensuring proper energy distribution while maintaining safety and optimal performance for the system.
As shown in the circuit diagram above, the Emporia Level 2 Charger with NACS is suitable for both small, medium, and large home solar systems. It supports adjustable amperage settings ranging from 6 amps to 48 amps, allowing it to seamlessly match the power requirements of your EV charger with the capacity of your solar system, whether for a smaller or larger setup.
Best Level 2 Home Solar EV Charger (J1772)
Compatible with larger solar systems (8 kW–20 kW), this Level 2 J1772 solar EV charger operates at 7.2–19.2 kW (30–80 amps at 240 volts) and delivers 25–70 miles of range per hour, making it an ideal choice for non-Tesla EV owners seeking quick and efficient solar-powered charging.
#1 Wallbox Pulsar Plus 40-Amp EV Charger
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus 40-Amp Level 2 EV Charger delivers up to 9.6kW of power, providing fast and efficient electric vehicle charging. When paired with a Wallbox energy meter, the charger unlocks advanced solar EV charging management features. These include Eco-Smart for solar-based charging in Full-Green or Eco modes, as well as Power Boost for dynamic adjustments that prevent electrical overload, ensuring optimal efficiency and safety.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 40-Amp EV Charger Review
When paired with the optional Wallbox Power Meter, the Pulsar Plus 40-Amp charger unlocks the full potential of Eco-Smart solar functionality.
Wallbox Power Meter
This feature allows the charger to prioritize energy from your solar panels, reducing reliance on grid power and helping you maximize the benefits of your home’s solar system. It automatically adjusts to ensure that your EV is charged with solar energy whenever possible, making it an eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution for green-minded users.
With built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, the Pulsar Plus 40-Amp charger offers full control via the myWallbox app. This allows you to monitor charging sessions, set schedules, and customize the charger’s behavior to suit your needs. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, allowing voice control through Alexa and Google Home.
Unlike the hardwired version, the Pulsar Plus 40-Amp can be easily plugged into a NEMA 14-50 outlet, making it a portable option for those who want flexibility in their charging setup. This design allows you to take the charger with you, ideal for those who may want to use it at different locations or when traveling. With adjustable amperage settings ranging from 16A to 40A, this portable charger is adaptable to various home electrical configurations, working seamlessly with both small and large solar systems.
#2 Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48-Amp EV Charger
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48-Amp Level 2 EV Charger is our runner-up for the Best Level 2 Home Solar EV Charger. This hardwired charger delivers 11.5kW charging and offers solar management features, easily activated via the “My Wallbox App” with the professional installation of a power meter kit.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48-Amp EV Charger Review
What we liked about the Wallbox Pulsar Plus is the app, ‘My Wallbox’ (or just ‘Wallbox’), which gets regular updates. We use it all the time to manage both our EV charging and home solar system. The app lets us charge smartly, schedule charging to take advantage of off-peak rates, and monitor everything from one platform. It makes managing energy much easier.
We paired the Wallbox Power Meter with the Pulsar Plus to unlock full Eco-Smart solar functionality. This feature prioritizes solar energy for EV charging and balances solar and grid power for the best efficiency. Whether charging in the daylight or at night, it ensures energy use is always sustainable.
Wallbox Power Meter
The Wallbox Power Meter is a smart energy management solution designed for use with Pulsar Plus chargers. It supports seamless integration, allowing the charger to prioritize solar energy and balance power from both the grid and your solar system. Installation is straightforward, and the power meter comes with two CT clamps for easy setup on electrical panels up to 250 amps, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of home systems.
As shown in the diagram below, the installation of the Wallbox Power Meter is straightforward, and designed for seamless integration with your Pulsar Plus charger.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48-Amp Level 2 EV Charger is designed to handle the high charging demands of modern EVs, offering fast and reliable charging for today’s advanced vehicles and compatibility with future EVs. With advanced dynamic load management, it adjusts its output based on your home’s real-time energy usage, protecting your electrical system from overload and maximizing the benefits of solar energy.
The Pulsar Plus features adjustable capacity settings from 16A to 48A, making it suitable for both small and large solar systems. It also integrates with Alexa and Google Home for convenient voice control. Hardwired for durability, it is an ideal solution for solar-powered EV charging..
#3 Emporia EV Charger
The Emporia Level 2 Charger is a smart EV charger compatible with all electric vehicles supporting J1772 connectors. When paired with the Emporia Vue Home Energy Management System, it offers advanced solar EV charging features, including scheduling, energy usage tracking, automated charge adjustments for peak demand and time-of-use rates, and solar-only charging—all managed conveniently through the Emporia app.
Emporia EV Charger Review
The diagram below illustrates the detailed installation and wiring of the Emporia Level 2 Charger with J1772 and the Emporia Vue Home Energy Management System, seamlessly integrated into our main electrical panel and home solar setup.
This configuration is engineered to optimize energy flow between the solar power system, the charger, and the home grid, ensuring maximum efficiency in managing both solar energy production and EV charging needs.
The circuit diagram provides an in-depth look at the electrical architecture, highlighting the integration of the Emporia Level 2 Charger, which uses the J1772 standard connector, a widely recognized and reliable charging protocol for electric vehicles. It also emphasizes the electrical connections of the Emporia Vue system, a crucial component in monitoring energy consumption and ensuring the home’s energy use is optimized. Key elements such as wire gauges, grounding systems, conduit types, and their specific applications are illustrated to offer a complete understanding of the system’s infrastructure.
A dedicated 60-amp circuit breaker ensures that the charging system operates safely, with appropriate power distribution for the charger and the home solar setup. This circuit breaker acts as a safeguard, preventing overcurrent conditions that could potentially damage the system or pose safety risks. The system’s design not only prioritizes safety but also enhances the overall performance and longevity of the electric vehicle charging process.
As shown in the diagram, the Emporia Level 2 Charger with J1772 is versatile and can be customized to suit home solar installations of various sizes, from compact residential systems to larger, more complex setups. With adjustable amperage settings ranging from 6 amps to 48 amps, it provides fine-tuned control over charging speed, allowing users to match the charger’s power output to their solar system’s energy production capacity.
#4 Enphase IQ 50 EV Charger
If you read my review of the Enphase IQ 50 EV Charger, you’ll see why it’s one of my favorite EV chargers, both as an EV owner and installer. I’ve had the opportunity to test and experiment with many features of the charger, even going as far as integrating solar power with the Enphase IQ 50 EV Charger.
The Enphase IQ 50 charger integrates seamlessly with your home solar system, ensuring that EV charging prioritizes solar energy when available, reducing grid dependence and lowering energy costs.
Enphase IQ 50 EV Charger Review
We recommend pairing the Enphase IQ 50 EV charger with the Enphase Energy System, which integrates solar, batteries, and EV charging for seamless compatibility with your home solar setup. This system lets you generate, store, use, and even sell energy, while managing your entire home solar system—including EV charging—through the Enphase desktop and mobile apps.
The diagram below illustrates a seamless integration of solar power with the Enphase IQ 50 EV Charger.
The above setup highlights how Enphase’s technology manages solar production, system connectivity, and efficient EV charging in a home environment, all while integrating with the home’s main electrical panel.
The system begins with Enphase IQ8 microinverters converting sunlight into usable energy. This energy flows into the IQ Gateway, a central hub that manages the system’s communications and measures solar production through the Enphase Production CT.
The IQ Gateway ensures seamless communication with mobile devices and the broader system and then directs the power to either the Enphase IQ Combiner box before it goes to the main load panel, or it flows directly to the IQ 50 EV Charger. The main load panel tracks consumption via the Enphase Consumption CT, ensuring a balanced energy flow.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Solar EV Charger
When choosing a home solar EV charger, there are several key factors to ensure optimal performance, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s how you can optimize the selection process for a solar-powered EV charger:
Compatibility with EV and Solar System:
Make sure the EV charger works with your car and solar system. It should support Level 2 charging and connect easily to your solar inverter and battery storage. For example, if you drive a Tesla, the Tesla Universal Wall Connector pairs well with Tesla Solar Power for a seamless home solar EV charging setup.
Charging Speed (Power Rating):
Choose a charger with the right power rating to match your EV’s charging needs and your solar system’s output. A 40-amp or 48-amp charger is common for home use, but if your solar system can’t support higher currents, consider a charger with adjustable amperage. Look for models that offer automatic amperage adjustment, like the Tesla Wall Connector, which handles up to 48 amps. For smaller systems, a charger with manual amperage adjustment can help prevent overloading your solar setup.
Energy Efficiency
Select a charger that optimizes the use of energy from your solar panels. Some chargers feature energy management systems that can prioritize solar energy over grid power, reducing electricity costs and improving the efficiency of your system.
Battery Storage Integration
If you have or plan to install solar battery storage, choose a charger that can integrate seamlessly with your battery system home EV chargers such as the Tesla Universal Wall connector pair perfectly with the Tesla Powerwall, while the Enphase EV charger pairs perfectly with the Enphase batteries. This ensures that you can store excess solar energy for later use, especially during periods of low sunlight, reducing reliance on grid power.
Cost and Return on Investment:
Consider the cost of the charger relative to your budget and potential long-term savings. A higher-priced charger with features like Wi-Fi connectivity or load management might save more energy over time, but ensure the investment makes financial sense. If you’re starting from scratch, factor in accessory costs. For instance, Tesla Powerwall batteries are more expensive than Enphase IQ batteries, which might influence your choice of a compatible EV charger for seamless integration.
Warranty and Support
Choose a solar EV charger with a strong warranty (3-5 years) and reliable customer support to handle defects or performance issues. In our list of the best solar home EV chargers, the Enphase EV Charger stands out with a 5-year limited warranty, while others like Wallbox offer a 3-year warranty. For more details, see our guide on the best EV charger warranties and customer support.
Smart Features and Monitoring
Opt for a charger with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app control, and real-time monitoring. These features enable you to track charging sessions, monitor energy use, and integrate your solar system for optimal performance. For example, Wallbox chargers offer seamless smart functionality through the “My Wallbox App,” letting you control your home energy and EV charging remotely—a feature some chargers on this list lack.
Ease of Installation
Look for a charger that’s easy to install or check if professional installation is needed. Some chargers, like the Emporia EV Charger, are designed for DIY installation with a NEMA plug and adapter. Others, like the Tesla Wall Connector, require a licensed electrician due to hardware setup with no plug-in option, especially when integrating with an existing solar system.
Safety Features
Ensure that the charger includes necessary safety features such as overcurrent protection, surge protection, and automatic shutoff to protect both your EV and home electrical system.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Choose a charger from a reputable brand with positive customer feedback. Brands with a strong track record in EV charging and solar integration, like the Tesla Universal Wall Connector and Enphase IQ 50 EV Charger, are more likely to deliver reliable, high-quality products. Additionally, consider chargers that support third-party solar accessories, as this can enhance compatibility and flexibility when building or expanding your solar setup.
Future Expansion and Scalability
Consider future needs. If you plan to add more solar panels or upgrade your EV in the future, choose a charger that can be easily upgraded or scaled to accommodate higher charging demands through selectable amperage. By focusing on these factors, you can ensure that your home solar EV charger provides optimal performance, integrates seamlessly with your solar system, and offers long-term energy savings.
About the Author: James Ndungu
James Ndungu, founder and editor-in-chief of Electric Vehicle Geek, brings over five years of hands-on experience in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) selection, permitting, and installation. He specializes in assisting businesses and homeowners in the United States with a seamless transition to electric vehicles.
As a certified EV charger installer and holder of advanced certifications, including the EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program), Diploma in Electric Vehicle Technology, and Diploma in Engineering Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles, I provide expert guidance and in-depth reviews on the latest EV charging equipment.
