Time to change energy provider? (Solar + EV)

[niceguy1966]

I've been on the variable rate of my small energy provider for about a year (since my last fixed rate expired and the capped variable was lower than the fixed rates offered). Amazingly, my small provider hasn't gone bankrupt (OutfoxTheMarket).

In January I had solar panels with battery fitted. This week I ordered an electric car that will be delivered in the summer (fingers crossed), so I think it's time for a review and probably a change.

I'm thinking I should probably switch to a plan with cheap night rate electricity for charging the car (and solar battery in the winter). And in the summer I would like to be paid for the power I'm putting back into the grid (my very old smart meter doesn't allow this at the moment). I'll need a car charging point too, but that could be bought from a 3rd party.

Does anyone have any advice about which providers offer good plans for people both solar and EVs? I've heard Octopus is good, but I don't know which plan, or how quick they are to fit a new smart meter/EV charger.

All help appreciated!

 

[ih8mondays]

Not sure about EV chargers, but they are taking a while to fit smart meters at this time - guess everyone wants one now.

You might be better off getting one fitted with your current supplier - as long as it's a smets2 you'll be fine, and I think the older ones can be upgraded to V2 standards these days too.

 

[neilball]

Octopus Go is the preferred supplier & tariff for a lot of EV drivers, but you need a SMETS2 meter to transfer over.

 

[MaryWhitehouse]

but they are taking a while to fit smart meters at this time

No appointments with SSE at the moment and I believe many others are the same. Keep hassling me to get one mind!

 

[niceguy1966]

Not sure about EV chargers, but they are taking a while to fit smart meters at this time - guess everyone wants one now.

You might be better off getting one fitted with your current supplier - as long as it's a smets2 you'll be fine, and I think the older ones can be upgraded to V2 standards these days too.

You're 100% right.

Octopus suggested I get my current supplier to fit a new smart meter because they have a long waiting list. My current supplier is being very slow even getting their smart meter department to contact me (one week ago they promised to call me back).

I think I'll be donating excess electricity to the grid for free this summer.

 

[niceguy1966]

An additional question relating to solar and EV charging...

Had anyone researched solar aware EV chargers?

Zappi seems to really focus on their solar compatibility, with an eco and eco+ mode. The latter using only the power that would have gone to the grid and no more for a free trickle charge.

INDRA Smart PRO claims to support solar charging, but had virtually no details on their website.

Has anyone done any in-depth research into solar charging?

 

[WolfCarnage77]

Take a look on YouTube at a guy called EV Puzzle and another called Spectrum Geek, loads of useful real experience of the Zappi and other units.

 

[niceguy1966]

Take a look on YouTube at a guy called EV Puzzle and another called Spectrum Geek, loads of useful real experience of the Zappi and other units.

I spoke to an installer that provided several different ev charge points, and for my set up, he recommended the zappi.

Hopefully he's a good guy as I've ordered one and it will be installed next week.