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 choosing a home solar EV charger, consider your home solar system size, compatibility, charging speed, and integration with solar management systems. Level 1 chargers suit smaller setups (4–7 kW), while Level 2 chargers support larger systems (8–20 kW) with faster charging and smart features like load balancing and energy optimization.
After installing, testing, and gathering feedback on over 20 of the most popular home solar EV charging stations, we’ve selected the best ones for you:
Table of Contents
Summary of The Best Home Solar EV Chargers
Here is a list of the best home solar EV chargers that we will highlight in this review based on charging level which depends on the solar system capacity:
Best Level 1 Solar EV Chargers List
Ideal for overnight charging with lower power demand.
Lectron Level 1 Tesla Charger Review
Lectron 16 Amp EV Charger (J1772) Review
Best Level 2 Solar EV Chargers List
Faster charging speeds, perfect for homes with larger solar setups.
Tesla Universal Wall Connector Review
Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector Review
Emporia Pro EV Charger Review
Emporia Level 2 Charger with NACS Review
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 40-Amp EV Charger Review
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48-Amp EV Charger Review
Emporia EV Charger Review
Enphase IQ 50 EV Charger Review
Best Home Solar EV Chargers
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 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.
The Tesla Universal Wall Connector also supports bidirectional EV charging with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing electric vehicles such as the Tesla Cybertruck to send power back to the grid. V2G enables EVs to function as energy sources, not just consumers. When paired with renewable energy EV charging sources like solar and wind, bidirectional EV charging enhances grid stability, supports peak demand, and maximizes the use of clean energy.
#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 Emporia Pro EV Charger
The Emporia Pro EV Charger stands out as an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a high-performance, solar-integrated charging solution. With its ability to deliver up to 48A (11.5kW) of power, the Emporia Pro is ideal for efficiently charging electric vehicles, especially when paired with solar systems.
Emporia Pro EV Charger Review
The integration of PowerSmart Load Management via the Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor allows homeowners to track and optimize energy consumption, making it an excellent fit for solar EV charging. This system adjusts the charging speed based on your home’s energy load, ensuring that your electrical panel isn’t overloaded while maximizing charging efficiency.
When compared to the Tesla Universal Wall Connector, the Emporia Pro offers similar performance in terms of charging speed but comes with additional solar and load management benefits integrated with the EV charger.
Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector is a high-quality, bi-directional charging option, offering savings through using your vehicle’s battery for home energy storage. However, it requires the additional cost of a Tesla Powerwall for full dynamic load management, making it more expensive. In contrast, the Emporia Pro includes integrated load management, providing an efficient solution without the need for extra equipment.
In comparison with the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, the Pro version takes charging to the next level with enhanced features like PowerSmart Load Management and the ability to charge at a higher power rating of 48A. The Level 2 charger is a great entry-level option, delivering 40A at a more affordable price point, but lacks the advanced load management features of the Pro model.
For homeowners aiming to futureproof their charging setup with solar integration and smarter energy use, the Emporia Pro offers more comprehensive benefits and saving costs of more than $1000 for a load management device.
#2 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 Review
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.
#3 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 Review
The Wallbox Power Meter is a smart energy management solution (EV charging load management system) 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..
#4 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.
The circuit diagram above provides an in-depth look at the EV charging circuit, 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.
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.
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.
#5 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:
- Solar System Compatibility – Ensure the charger aligns with your solar system’s capacity (e.g., 4 kW–20 kW), and solar system accessories such as load management systems and inverter type.
- EV Compatibility – Verify the charger supports your EV’s charging speed and connector type (J1772, Tesla, CCS).
- Charging Speed & Power Output – Choose between Level 1 (1.2–1.4 kW, slow charging) and Level 2 (7.2–20 kW, fast charging).
- Dedicated Circuit & Electrical Load – Ensure your home electrical system can handle the EV charger’s amperage (e.g., 30A–80A).
- Solar Energy Utilization – Opt for a charger with solar priority charging or excess solar power utilization.
- Battery Storage Integration – If using battery storage (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ), ensure seamless charger integration.
- Smart Features & Connectivity – Look for Wi-Fi, app control, scheduling, load balancing, and solar monitoring.
- Dynamic Load Management – Prevents overloading by balancing power between home loads and EV charging.
- Bidirectional Charging Support – Enables Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality if supported by your EV.
- Installation Type & Ease – Decide between plug-in (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired options; professional installation may be required.
- Weatherproofing & Durability – Choose an outdoor-rated charger (NEMA 4X, IP65+) for exposure to elements.
- Cost & Return on Investment – Balance upfront costs with long-term energy savings and incentives.
- Warranty & Support – Look for a minimum 3–5-year warranty and strong customer support.
- Brand Reputation & Reviews – Select trusted brands known for reliability in solar-integrated EV charging.
- Future Scalability – Consider upgrade potential for higher charging speeds, additional solar panels, or battery expansion.
James Ndungu is a certified EV charger installer with over five years of experience in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) selection, permitting, and installation. He holds advanced certifications, including the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), and diplomas in Electric Vehicle Technology and Engineering Fundamentals of EVs. Since 2021, James has been a frequent tester of EV chargers and accessories, providing expert insights into the latest EV charging solutions.
