Leicestershire Solar and EV in 2026
Leicester, Loughborough, Hinckley, Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough have seen accelerating EV charger and solar installs in 2026 — driven by the rapid growth in electric vehicle ownership across the county and the growing recognition that solar panels are the most cost-effective way to power a home EV. ElectriFusion Solutions in Doncaster reports similar EV-driven growth across South Yorkshire, confirming the pattern is not regionally isolated.
The Solar + EV Combination: Why It Makes Sense
An EV driven 10,000 miles per year needs approximately 2,500–3,500 kWh of electricity to charge — equivalent to 65–90% of an average household's entire annual electricity consumption. Add a 4kW solar system generating 3,500–4,000 kWh per year and you can effectively charge your car for free on sunny days, vastly reducing running costs. A Zappi or Ohme charger with solar divert functionality will automatically divert surplus generation to your car rather than exporting at the low SEG rate. Combined annual savings for solar + smart EV charger: £800–£1,400 depending on mileage and electricity usage.
Costs and Payback in Leicestershire 2026
A fully installed 4kW solar system plus 7.4kW smart EV charger costs approximately £6,500–£8,500, of which the EV charger element (post OZEV grant) typically costs £700–£1,100. Adding a 9.5kWh battery storage system brings the total to £11,000–£15,000 for the complete home energy package. With annual savings of £1,200–£2,000 (solar + battery + EV combination), combined payback of 7–9 years is achievable. Lumos Energy in Wiltshire see comparable numbers on their South West installations.
OZEV Grants Still Available
The OZEV EV Homecharge Scheme provides up to £350 towards a home EV charger for homeowners and tenants with dedicated off-street parking. The grant is applied directly by your OZEV-approved installer — you pay the net price. For workplaces, the OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme provides up to £350 per socket across up to 40 sockets per applicant. Both schemes remain open in 2026.
Choosing a Leicestershire Installer
For combined solar and EV charger installations, look for OZEV-authorised installers who are simultaneously MCS-certified for solar. Many EV charger firms are not MCS certified and cannot legally install the solar side of the combination. Solar Bureau's national installer network can help verify credentials and find the right multi-trade firm for your specific requirements. Energy Concerns in Leicester holds the relevant certifications for the local market.
Wider Installer Network
For North East and Teesside customers, Teesside's ALPS Electrical provides solar, battery and OZEV-approved EV charger installation from our Yarm base — covering the whole of Teesside and North Yorkshire. For South Coast customers, Hampshire's Solent Solar provides a similar multi-trade service. Contact ALPS Electrical for a free North East quote.