Is an Air Source Heat Pump expensive to run?

A properly sized and correctly installed Air Source Heat Pump is incredibly cost-effective to run. In fact, it stands out as the most economical heating system when compared to other electric or fossil fuel alternatives. A well-installed Air Source system can generate approximately 4kWh of heat for every 1kWh of electricity it consumes. By dividing the cost of 1kWh of electricity by 4, you can calculate the running cost of the system. Here’s an interesting fact that often goes unnoticed: 100% of the heat energy produced by the Heat Pump is delivered to your property, whereas traditional boilers can lose up to 20% of their heat energy through the flue with the exhaust gases.

How many Solar Panels do I need?

The number of panels needed varies from person to person and property to property. It primarily depends on the size of the area you have available, such as your roof space. Another crucial factor is how much energy you use and when you need it. It’s not as straightforward as saying, “I use 10,000 kWh per year, so just fit a system to meet that.” Keep in mind that panels generate less energy during winter, which might coincide with when you use the most energy. To determine your requirements accurately, take a closer look at your appliances and when you use them. Do you have additional electricity-intensive devices like an electric car or hot tub? Building your solar system around your specific energy needs and considering your lifestyle adjustments can help you maximize the benefits of Solar PV.

How does home battery storage installation work?

Home battery storage installation involves integrating a battery system with your existing energy setup, allowing you to store excess energy for use during peak times.

Can I Use My Solar Panels to Charge an Electric Car?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, many homeowners are asking: can I charge my car using my solar panels?
The answer is yes — and doing so can dramatically reduce your running costs while making your driving truly carbon-free.

At Sustain Heating, we design smart home energy systems that combine solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers into one seamless, efficient setup.

⚡ How It Works

There are two main ways solar panels can charge your electric car:

1. Direct Solar Charging

During daylight hours, any electricity your solar panels generate can be sent straight to your EV charger.
Your car effectively becomes a second “battery,” using solar power that would otherwise be exported back to the grid.

2. Battery-Assisted Charging

If you also have a solar battery, excess energy generated during the day can be stored and used later — meaning you can still charge your car at night using stored solar power.
This setup is ideal for drivers who are away from home during the day.

🔋 Combining Solar & Smart Charging

The most efficient systems use smart EV chargers that automatically prioritise solar energy.
These chargers can detect when your panels are producing surplus power and divert it straight into your vehicle.

Modern chargers can also integrate with:

Battery storage systems (for overnight solar-powered charging)
Time-of-use tariffs (for off-peak, low-cost top-ups)
Home energy management systems (to balance usage between your house and EV)

With this level of control, you can charge your vehicle for a fraction of the usual cost.

💰 The Financial Benefits

Charging your EV with solar power is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways to drive.

Charging Method	Cost per kWh	Notes
Grid electricity (standard tariff)	~28p	Typical UK average
Off-peak EV tariff	~10–15p	Time-limited overnight rate
Solar-generated energy	0p	Free energy from your panels

Even when factoring in system costs, the long-term savings and convenience make solar EV charging a smart investment for future energy independence.

⚙️ Choosing the Right Charger

Not all EV chargers are designed to work with solar panels — so it’s essential to choose one that’s compatible.

Look for:

Solar-ready integration (e.g. MyEnergi Zappi, GivEnergy, or Tesla Wall Connector)
Dynamic load balancing (to prevent overloading your home supply)
Smart scheduling (for off-peak and solar surplus charging)

At Sustain Heating, we’ll recommend and install the best EV charger for your home’s energy system — ensuring compatibility, safety, and long-term reliability.

🧠 Why Solar + EV Charging Makes Sense

Combining solar power with EV charging helps you:

Cut your transport energy costs by up to 80%
Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
Future-proof your home for clean energy growth
Take control of when and how you use electricity

It’s a key step toward a fully sustainable household energy setup.

✅ Why Choose Sustain Heating?

Fully MCS, NICEIC, and TrustMark accredited for renewables and EV charging.
Specialists in solar PV, battery storage, and smart EV integration.
Transparent pricing and design — no subcontractors.
Trusted by hundreds of South West homeowners, rated 4.9/5 on Which? Trusted Traders and 4.7/5 on Trustpilot.

We make your transition to solar EV charging simple, safe, and efficient.

🌞 Final Thoughts

Yes — you can absolutely charge your electric car with solar panels.
By pairing your PV system with a compatible smart charger (and optional battery storage), you can power your journeys with clean, renewable energy — saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.

At Sustain Heating, we design and install integrated solar and EV systems that work together effortlessly, giving you control, efficiency, and the freedom to drive on sunshine.