⚡ ev charging

Free Solar EV Charging in Brisbane with EVnex — How to Charge Your EV for Free (2026 Guide)

13 min readUpdated Sep 2026ARAaron · Licensed Electrician 1500996

If you have solar panels on your Brisbane home and an EV in the driveway, you can charge your car for free — and EVnex makes it the easiest of any charger on the market. Here’s the short version: a standard EV travelling 50 km/day needs roughly 10 kWh. Brisbane’s average 6.6 kW solar system produces 25–30 kWh daily. With an EVnex charger’s built-in solar divert feature, your car automatically charges using only your surplus solar power — no battery needed, no manual switching, no extra hardware. This guide covers how solar EV charging works, why we recommend EVnex over every other brand, what you save per year, and what the installation actually looks like.

If you’re new to EV charging in general, start with our complete guide to EV home charging in Australia — it covers amps, AC vs DC, ATO benefits, and the basics. This post builds on that with the specific angle Brisbane homeowners care about most: how to charge your EV for free using the sun.

How Solar EV Charging Works — The Simple Version

Your solar panels generate DC electricity during the day. Your inverter converts it to AC for your home. In a normal setup, any surplus power your house doesn’t use gets exported to the grid — and you get paid a feed-in tariff of around 5–10 cents per kWh.

But here’s the thing: that surplus power is worth more to you inside your EV battery than it is on the grid. If you’re paying 28–32 c/kWh to charge your EV from the grid at home, every kWh of solar you divert into your car instead of exporting saves you roughly 20–25 cents.

Solar EV charging works by matching your charger’s draw to your home’s real-time solar export. When your house is using 1 kW and your panels are generating 6 kW, you have 5 kW of surplus. A solar-smart charger like the EVnex automatically ramps up to use that 5 kW for charging — no waste, no grid draw.

For a full breakdown of charging speeds, connectors, and the difference between AC and DC, see our EV home charging Australia guide.

Why EVnex? The Charger We Actually Recommend

There are plenty of EV chargers on the market. Wallbox, Tesla Wall Connector, Fronius Wattpilot, Ocular, Zappi. We’ve installed them all across Brisbane and the Redlands. But EVnex is the one we recommend to Brisbane homeowners who have solar. Here’s why.

Built-In Solar Divert — No Extra Hardware

Most chargers with solar functionality require a separate CT clamp kit, a compatible inverter brand, or a third-party energy management system. EVnex has solar divert built into the charger itself. It reads your home’s energy flow through integrated CT clamps and adjusts charge rate in real time. No extra boxes on the wall, no compatibility headaches, no ongoing subscription.

This matters because the “solar EV charging” setups you see online often involve three or four separate pieces of hardware. EVnex does it in one. That means a cleaner install, fewer failure points, and lower cost.

Australian Designed and Supported

EVnex is a New Zealand company with Australian support. That means local compliance (AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 4777), local warranty support, and a charger designed for our grid and solar conditions — not a European product adapted for Australia. When you’re spending $1,800–$2,500 on a charger install, having local support matters. We’ve dealt with overseas brands where warranty claims meant weeks of back-and-forth. EVnex support is local and responsive.

OTA Updates and Smart Scheduling

The EVnex app lets you schedule charging for solar hours, set minimum charge levels, and monitor your energy flow in real time. Over-the-air updates mean the charger gets better over time without an electrician visit. It also supports OCPP for future compatibility with energy retailers and virtual power plant (VPP) programs — so your charger can earn you money by exporting stored energy back to the grid during peak demand.

How Much Can You Actually Save? The Free Charging Math

Let’s use realistic Brisbane numbers. This is based on what we see in our customers’ homes across the Redlands, Bayside, and greater Brisbane area. These aren’t theoretical figures — they’re what actual Amplus Electrical customers save.

Over 5 years, an average commuter saves over $5,000 by charging from solar instead of the grid. That’s before you factor in rising electricity prices — which have gone up roughly 20% in QLD over the past two years and aren’t trending down. With an EVnex charger costing around $1,800–$2,500 installed, the payback period for a typical commuter is under 2.5 years — just from the solar charging savings alone.

For a complete breakdown of installation costs, see our EV charger installation cost guide for Brisbane. The savings math above assumes you already have solar — if you don’t, the charger installation itself is still a worthwhile upgrade for any EV owner, and you can add solar later.

What the EVnex Installation Looks Like — Real Brisbane Jobs

Here’s what an actual EVnex installation looks like. These are real jobs we’ve done for Brisbane and Redlands homeowners. Every setup is different depending on whether your switchboard is in the garage, your meter box is external, or you want the charger on a brick wall versus inside.

Does Your Switchboard Need an Upgrade for an EV Charger?

This is the most common question we get. The answer depends on your switchboard’s age and capacity.

Most Brisbane homes built before 2000 have older switchboards with ceramic fuses or early-model circuit breakers. These often lack the spare capacity for a dedicated 32A EV charger circuit. In that case, a switchboard upgrade is needed — typically $800–$1,800 depending on the complexity.

If your home already has a modern switchboard (post-2000 with adequate spare ways and a 63A or higher main switch), the EV charger install is straightforward — just a new circuit and the charger mount.

For a full breakdown of what’s involved, see our dedicated switchboard upgrade for EV charger installation guide.

Real Brisbane Home Setups — What Works Best

Every home is different. Here are the three most common setups we see across the Redlands and Brisbane.

Garage Mount — Internal Wall (Most Common)

If your switchboard is in the garage, this is the simplest install. The charger goes on the internal garage wall, the cable run is short, and the CT clamps go in the switchboard. Most of our Capalaba, Cleveland, and Wellington Point jobs are this type.

External Brick Wall Mount

For homes where the switchboard is external or the garage doesn’t have internal wall access, we mount the charger on an external brick wall. The EVnex is weather-rated for outdoor installation. We see this a lot in older Queenslander homes and properties with detached garages.

Open Garage / Carport Setup

For homes with a carport or open garage, we mount the charger under cover on a protected wall. The EVnex is weather-resistant enough for covered outdoor installation, and the integrated cable management keeps things tidy.

EVnex vs Other Solar-Ready EV Chargers — Comparison

EVnex vs Other Solar-Ready EV Chargers

We get asked how EVnex compares to the other popular options. Here’s the honest breakdown.

The short version: If you have an existing Fronius inverter, the Wattpilot integrates seamlessly. For everyone else — especially homeowners who want solar charging without buying into a specific ecosystem — EVnex is the cleanest solution. One charger, built-in CT clamps, no extra boxes, local support.

EV-Specific Electricity Tariffs in Brisbane — Should You Switch?

Most Brisbane homes are on a standard residential tariff (Tariff 11) with a flat rate of roughly 28–32 c/kWh. But several Queensland electricity retailers now offer EV-specific tariffs that make grid charging cheaper overnight — and some even offer free charging periods during solar-producing hours.

How EV Tariffs Work with Solar Charging

If you have solar panels, the best strategy is usually solar-priority charging during daylight hours (when your panels are generating surplus), topped up with off-peak grid charging overnight if needed. EVnex handles this automatically — you set your solar divert preference in the app, and it uses as much solar as possible before drawing from the grid.

Retailers Offering EV Plans in QLD (2026)

Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia, and OVO Energy all offer EV-specific plans with time-of-use rates. Typical off-peak EV rates range from 8–15 c/kWh — roughly half the standard rate. Combined with solar charging, this means your effective charging cost approaches zero for most of the year.

For a full comparison of EV running costs and what you can expect to pay, see our split system running costs Brisbane guide — the same energy-efficiency principles apply to EV charging, and many of our customers in Capalaba, Cleveland, Birkdale, and Ormiston ask about both together during their onsite quotes.

What If I Don’t Have Solar? Is an EV Charger Still Worth It?

Yes. Even without solar panels, installing a dedicated EV charger at home is significantly cheaper and more convenient than relying on public charging. Here’s why.

Off-Peak Charging Rates

With an EV-specific tariff, charging overnight at 8–15 c/kWh costs roughly $400–$800 per year for an average commuter — compared to $2,000+ per year using public fast chargers. The EVnex charger lets you schedule charging for off-peak hours automatically, so you plug in when you get home and it charges when rates are lowest.

Future-Proofing for Solar

Many of our customers install the EVnex charger first, then add solar panels later. The charger works perfectly as a standard 7 kW unit without solar, and the solar divert feature is ready to go when you add panels — no hardware changes needed, just enable it in the app.

If you’re still deciding whether to go ahead, our complete EV charger installation Brisbane guide covers the full process from initial quote through to plugging in your car for the first time.

For homeowners in the Redlands area specifically, our Redlands EV charger installation guide covers suburb-specific considerations for Capalaba, Cleveland, Birkdale, Wellington Point, Ormiston, Thornlands, Victoria Point, Redland Bay, Sheldon, and Alexandra Hills.

Government Incentives and Solar EV Charging in QLD

As of 2026, there are no direct QLD state rebates for EV charger installations. However, there are several financial angles worth knowing about.

ATO FBT Exemption for EV Home Charging

If you have a novated lease or salary-sacrificed EV through work, your employer can claim an FBT exemption for the car. Home charging costs are also claimable if you keep a logbook. This is the biggest financial incentive for most Brisbane EV owners right now — and it applies regardless of which charger you use.

Solar Feed-In Tariff Opportunity Cost

This isn’t a rebate, but it’s the math that matters: exporting solar at 5–8 c/kWh and then buying it back at 28 c/kWh is a losing game. Every kWh you divert to your EV is worth 20–25 cents more than exporting it. Over a year, that’s $1,000+ for a typical commuter — effectively a “rebate” you give yourself by charging smarter.

For more on EV costs and savings, see our EV charger installation cost Brisbane guide and our complete EV charger installation guide covering the full process from quote to plug-in.

Ready to Charge Your EV for Free? Here’s the Next Step

If you’re in Brisbane or the Redlands and want to start charging your EV from solar, here’s what to do:

1. Check if your switchboard can handle it — we’ll assess this in a free onsite quote.
2. Decide on the charger location — garage, external wall, or carport. We’ll advise on the best option during the quote.
3. Get it installed by a licensed electrician — we handle everything from the switchboard connection to CT clamp setup to app configuration.

We service all of Brisbane, including the Redlands — Capalaba, Cleveland, Birkdale, Wellington Point, Ormiston, Thornlands, Victoria Point, Redland Bay, Sheldon, and everywhere in between. Book a free quote online or call 0419 014 146.

If you’re still deciding on which installer to use, our EV charger installers Brisbane guide covers what to look for in a qualified installer and how the process works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a battery to charge my EV from solar?

No. With an EVnex charger, you don’t need a home battery. The charger diverts your real-time solar surplus directly to the car. Your EV battery IS the battery. If you already have a home battery, the charger works alongside it — the system prioritises the battery first, then sends surplus to the car.

How much does an EVnex charger cost installed in Brisbane?

For a standard install where your switchboard has spare capacity, expect $1,800–$2,500 including the charger and installation. If a switchboard upgrade is needed, add $800–$1,800. See our EV charger installation cost guide for the full breakdown.

Can I use the EVnex charger without solar?

Yes. The EVnex works as a standard 7 kW (32A) AC charger without solar. The solar divert feature is optional — you can use scheduled charging at off-peak rates instead. Many customers install the EVnex now and add solar later.

Is the EVnex weatherproof for outdoor installation?

Yes. The EVnex has an IP54 rating, meaning it’s protected against dust and water spray from any direction. It’s fine for outdoor mounting on brick walls, under eaves, or in carports. We don’t recommend direct rain exposure long-term, but covered outdoor positions are perfectly fine.

What’s the charging speed of the EVnex?

The standard EVnex is a 7 kW (32A, single-phase) AC charger. That adds roughly 35–40 km of range per hour for a typical EV. It’s the most common charging speed for Australian homes and covers 99% of overnight charging needs. Three-phase versions are available for homes with three-phase power.

Does the EVnex work with all EV brands?

Yes. The EVnex uses a standard Type 2 (Mennekes) socket and cable, compatible with every EV sold in Australia — Tesla, BYD, MG, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Polestar, Nissan, and all others. Tesla owners will need to use the included J1772 adapter that comes with the car.

How long does installation take?

A straightforward install takes 2–4 hours. If a switchboard upgrade is needed, allow 4–6 hours. We handle everything — from the switchboard connection and CT clamp installation to charger configuration and app setup.

Do you service the Redlands and Bayside areas?

Absolutely. We’re based in Capalaba and cover all of the Redlands — Cleveland, Birkdale, Wellington Point, Ormiston, Thornlands, Victoria Point, Redland Bay, Sheldon, Alexandra Hills, and every suburb in between. See our Redlands EV charger installation guide for suburb-specific information.

What’s the warranty on the EVnex charger?

The EVnex comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. Australian consumer law also applies, so you’re covered for defects beyond that period. Our workmanship is covered by our own guarantee — if there’s an issue with the installation, we fix it.

Can I install an EV charger myself?

No. EV charger installation must be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor in Queensland. This is a safety requirement under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 — our licence number is #1500996. DIY installation of high-current EV chargers is dangerous and could void your insurance and warranty. Always use a licensed electrician.