EV Charging for Businesses – Pairing It with Commercial Solar

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is accelerating across NSW, and the Central Coast is no exception. With more staff and customers driving EVs, it’s no longer a matter of if your business should offer EV charging — it’s when. And when you do, pairing it with a commercial solar system makes the most sense.

Whether you’re a retailer in Erina, a business park in Tuggerah, or a health clinic in Woy Woy, combining EV charging with solar energy can boost your bottom line, reduce your carbon footprint, and future-proof your operations.

Let’s break down why this smart pairing is growing fast — and how your business can benefit.

NSW is rolling out significant incentives for EVs, and businesses are starting to respond. From fleet vehicles to customer charging bays, commercial EV infrastructure is becoming essential — especially as staff and clients expect on-site charging.

But here’s the catch: EV chargers can seriously increase your power bills if you’re pulling electricity from the grid — particularly during peak times.

1. Slash Charging Costs

Running EV chargers on grid power can be expensive, especially if used during the day. By linking them to a solar system:

• You supply free, on-site electricity direct to your chargers
• You avoid time-of-use and peak tariff costs
• You improve the ROI on both your solar system and your EV charging setup

2. Increase Solar Self-Consumption

Solar panels typically produce the most energy during the day — right when many vehicles are parked and charging. Instead of exporting excess power to the grid, you can use it on-site through:

• Staff EV charging bays
• Public access charging for customers
• Charging your own business fleet

3. Offer Value-Added Services

Installing solar-powered EV charging allows you to:

• Attract EV drivers to your site
• Encourage longer visits at retail or hospitality venues
• Show your commitment to clean energy without greenwashing

4. Prepare for Fleet Electrification

If your business is planning to switch to EVs — or already has — pairing solar ensures you’re not just swapping one cost (fuel) for another (electricity). You’re using your own power to fuel your operations.

There are two main types of EV chargers suitable for commercial use:

• Level 2 AC Chargers (7–22kW): Ideal for staff and customer parking where vehicles are parked for several hours.
• DC Fast Chargers (25–350kW): Best for fleet hubs, logistics, or highway-side businesses needing quick turnarounds.

Both options can be powered by solar and integrated with battery storage or smart energy management systems.

Smart charging allows your business to:

• Optimise charging times to match solar output
• Set charging priorities (e.g. prioritise fleet vehicles)
• Limit grid draw during expensive peak windows
• Track energy use in real time via app or portal

This kind of smart solar integration is ideal for commercial operators with dynamic loads, fleet turnover, or limited grid capacity.

Yes — many Central Coast businesses are combining solar + battery + EV charging in one streamlined system. A battery lets you:

• Store excess solar for use in the evening
• Provide charging during blackouts
• Reduce demand charges when multiple vehicles charge at once

This setup is particularly useful for logistics hubs, cold storage, and trades depots with heavy equipment and fleet vehicles.

If you’re already considering solar — or EV charging — the best return comes when they’re installed together. You’ll get lower running costs, better energy management, and a cleaner reputation with customers.

Plus, your business will be better positioned as EV adoption accelerates across NSW.

We help Central Coast businesses of all sizes:

• Design solar-powered EV charging stations
• Integrate charging with commercial solar and battery systems
• Access available rebates and compliance requirements