If you have solar panels and a Volvo EV or plug-in hybrid, charging the car from your own roof is one of the best returns you can get from both. We install chargers set up to do exactly that.
Ring 0421 772 661 for a written quote. Include photos of your switchboard, meter box and solar inverter if you have one.
Volvo's electric range includes the EX30, EX40, EC40 and EX90, and it has sold plug-in hybrid versions of models like the XC60 and XC90. They charge at home through a Type 2 inlet, which means any quality Type 2 wall charger will work, including the solar-aware chargers that suit homes with panels.
Without solar, home charging is mostly about overnight off-peak rates. With solar, the picture changes. Every kilowatt-hour your panels export earns a small feed-in credit, while the same energy put into your car replaces power you'd otherwise buy. Matching charging to the sunny part of the day is the goal, and there are two ways to do it: schedule it from the car, or let a solar-following charger do it automatically.
Blue Link Electrical is a licensed electrician based in Hurlstone Park (NSW Contractor Licence 332956C). We're independent, with no affiliation to Volvo. We install the circuit, charger and any solar measuring equipment, and certify the work.
The simple way is a timer. Many Volvos run Google built-in software, and you can set charging times through the car or the Volvo Cars app. Set the car to charge in the middle of the day when it's home and you'll use a lot of your own solar, although on cloudy days it will draw from the grid to keep going. This works with any wall charger.
The smarter way is a charger with a solar mode. It measures power flowing to and from the grid with a current sensor at the meter box or switchboard and adjusts the charge rate to follow your surplus. That needs careful placement of the sensor, and sometimes a second one on the inverter circuit. Whichever you choose, check your Volvo's onboard charger rating in the owner's manual, since it caps how fast the car can take power from any charger.
From the switchboard, with cable sized for the charger's current and the run to where the car parks.
For solar mode, sensors go at the grid connection and sometimes the inverter output. This is planned before install day.
The board needs space and suitable protection for both solar and charger circuits. See solar and battery ready switchboards.
Solar-following chargers typically need Wi-Fi or a network link to report and adjust. We check signal at the mounting spot.
We confirm where your Volvo's port is and how you park, so the cable reaches without stretching.
1. Review solar and supply. We look at your inverter, meter box and switchboard to see where sensors can go and how much room the board has.
2. Quote. You get a written quote covering the circuit, charger mounting and any solar sensors, so you can compare a timer setup with a solar-following charger.
3. Install. We run the dedicated circuit, mount and connect the charger, fit and position the current sensors, and set the charger up on your network.
4. Test and certify. We test to AS/NZS 3000, check the charger reads grid import and export correctly, and issue a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work.
Usually not enough surplus at that moment, or a sensor reading the wrong direction or position.
A car timer without a solar-aware charger will keep charging when clouds roll in. That's expected behaviour, not a fault.
Can be wiring, protection type, moisture or the charger. See EV charger tripping the breaker.
Solar mode may stop working without a network connection. Improving coverage at the garage usually fixes it.
With a solar-following charger, yes: it waits for surplus and charges with that. With a car timer alone, it will top up from the grid when solar is low.
No. Daytime charging uses solar directly. A home battery helps only if you want to store solar for night charging.
Yes. Its smaller battery can often fill from a sunny day's surplus. Check the onboard charger rating to choose a sensible charger.
No. We're an independent licensed electrician with no affiliation to Volvo. We install and certify the electrical work.
Yes. NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C, fully insured, with a Certificate of Compliance for the installation.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
Excellent electrician Blue Link Electrical was honest, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer my questions The work was completed quickly without rushing and everything works perfectly Will be using them
Very professional and reliable service. Blue Link Electrical were punctual, friendly, and knew exactly what they were doing. The job was completed to a high standard and the place was left clean. Highly recommend to anyone needing electrical work.
Can't fault the service from Blue Link Electrical From first contact to job completion everything was smooth and professional Quality workmanship and great attention to detail. One of the best trades experiences I've had. Make sure you do them slowly
Shown in full, as written on our Google Business Profiles.
Send us a few details and we'll get back to you with a clear, upfront quote.