V2G + Solar: Game Changer

How does V2G work with solar panels?

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) + solar panels: the combination that could eliminate the need for home batteries: CONCEPT: Solar charges your EV during the day. In the evening, your EV powers your home. Your car IS your battery — with 50-80kWh capacity (vs 5-13kWh for a dedicated battery). ECONOMICS: Home battery (10kWh): £5,000. V2G charger: £1,000-£2,000. EV battery: already paid for (included in car price). The V2G charger replaces a £5,000 home battery at a fraction of the cost. UK STATUS: Trials underway — Octopus Powerloop (with Nissan Leaf/e-NV200), BMW trials, Indra Smart Charge V2G. Mainstream availability: 2028-2030 for most EVs. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: Solar + V2G on Octopus Flux: charge EV at 10p overnight, power home from EV during 4-7pm peak (avoid 30p+ rates). Additional savings: £200-£400/yr on top of standard solar savings. BATTERY DEGRADATION CONCERN: Extra V2G cycling adds 1-3% to annual battery degradation. EV batteries designed for 1,500-3,000+ full cycles. V2G typically cycles 5-10kWh/day — minor impact on a 50kWh+ battery. Sources: Octopus Energy V2G trial data, National Grid ESO (nationalgrideso.com), UK Power Networks V2G project.