Move from petrol to electric - with solar

Goudy

I was having a similar type of conversation with someone who knows a lot more about these things than me recently, that energy in whatever form has sky rocketed and is it worthwhile to spend out large in the short term to recoup in the long term.

The answer is likely yes but there are infinite variables to consider, most aren't easily calculatable and of course goal posts change all the time, but one thing that is calculatable and controllable to a certain extent is energy usage.

We're a funny lot, the cheaper something is leads us to think the more we can consume. Most of us have a set amount of money to spend and we spend it, give or take a bit. When things are cheap we tend to natural buy and use more. Most of us do this without realising it but we need to break this habit when it comes to most things, particularly energy.

So the place to start is are you only using the energy you actually need no matter where is comes from?

Basically get used to cutting energy waste. Do an energy "statement of affairs" and drill down into your usage, then look at if energy alternatives are worthwhile. With your current car, look at things like any unnecessary journeys and are there cheaper but still viable options for the ones you might need to make.

Same goes for around the house, first stop wasting energy before you consider alternatives as when you do invest in those, there's a better chance of it matching your needs, which will almost certainly be cheaper and it more than likely pay for it's self sooner.

The things is, those that have solar/battery setups and EV's to a certain extent will often be on top of this as they generally monitor the in's and out's of their use when it comes to energy more closely. You see and read the evidence in posts like this, they all know what they use and generate pretty accurately that then knocks to other areas like their transport and other necessary costs.

But doing it the wrong way around has lead some to under or over spend on setting up in the same way many first time EV owners buy cars with bigger/smaller batteries than they actually need. They didn't understand their needs fully, worried and make mistakes.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82161622#Comment_82161622

He is reluctant to change tariff as the unit rate is much higher than he currently pays on a fixed rate (not sure of the end date). So topping up using off peak electricity on a new tariff may not be too cost effective.

So charging battery at a off peak rate of 7p kWh compared to current fix, may not be cost effective. Perhaps give their head a wobble. Unless they have only just signed up & with a large get out fee.

Herzlos

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82162130#Comment_82162130

He's probably not going to get close to 7p/kwh without an EV though.

I can't imagine a fixed tariff is going to be much better than a flex, but I debated the effectiveness because of the peak figures being high enough to wipe out any savings.

My flex tariff is 14p overnight, 24p normally and 34p peak. So I save about 10p/kWh I can pre-charge with overnight, but I lose money if I pre-charge too much, fill the battery and have to sell it back for 10p/kWh. I also lose out if I run out of battery by 4pm and have to pay 34p/kWh.

I can at least avoid the 34p peak rate if I force charge at 3pm, but again losing out if I charge too much.

Herzlos

So the place to start is are you only using the energy you actually need no matter where is comes from?

A solid point that's often overlooked. The first way to save on energy bills is to use less energy.

Whether that's stuff like using eco settings, turning things off entirely when not in use, changing to more efficient appliances, it all adds up.

We changed from an old tumble drier (4kWh/cycle) to a heat pump version (2kWh/cycle), at 5 washes a week (kids!) we're saving about £10/month in electricity. 4 years and it'll have paid for itself, plus it's quieter and gentler on the clothes.

TeslaLifeIreland

I’d get the actual monthly cost of the work EV scheme first. Cheap charging can save a lot on fuel, but that alone doesn’t prove replacing your reliable Octavia will save money overall.
We run a Model Y Long Range AWD and a Model 3 Long Range RWD in Ireland, sharing one Zappi with a 5.8kWp east/west solar system. In August they recorded 503.5kWh of driving consumption over 3,637km. We estimated 28% of their charging energy came directly from solar, with an estimated 10% extra allowance for charging energy.
That’s a summer example, not a winter forecast. Solar helps, but you don’t need it to make an EV economical—cheap overnight charging can do much of the work. Also compare the export payment with the night rate: electricity used in the car has a value if you could have sold it instead.
As selling the Octavia would fund the panels, I’d compare your current total car and electricity costs against the proposed package, including the solar installation and the actual take-home pay reduction. That should show whether the change saves money or mainly gets you newer equipment.