If you have solar panels, your electric vehicle (EV) is one of the best ways to use their output. Selling excess power back to the grid often earns less than buying electricity later. With SolarCharge, you can put that surplus energy directly into your car — reducing your electricity bill and increasing energy self-sufficiency. SolarCharge can be used with or without a measuring device, but a connected device provides more accurate and responsive control.

Prerequisites

• Your charge point is on the compatible charge points list (check the Monta website for the SolarCharge filter).
• You have solar panels installed at your home.
• Optional: a measuring device for real-time data (recommended).
• Solar panel details are available if you plan to use forecast-based charging.

Solar charging modes

Surplus charging

Uses a meter reader or CT clamp to measure household consumption in real time. Charging speed adjusts so your EV only uses the true surplus solar energy available. This is the most accurate and efficient option, but requires compatible hardware.

Solar forecast

Estimates solar production using your panel setup details and weather data. No hardware required, but less accurate — grid imports may occur if household load changes unexpectedly.

(BETA) Solar production

Connects directly to your solar inverter to read actual production in real time. Charging speed matches your total production output. Setup is quick via a cloud login, but household consumption is not measured — meaning the system may still draw from the grid if other appliances are in use.

How do I set up SolarCharge?

1. From the Chargers tab, tap the menu (⋮) in the top-right corner and select Home features.
2. Under Linked chargers, select one or more supported chargers. Deselecting all chargers disables the feature.
3. Tap Solar charging, then Set up Solar charging.
4. Choose how to measure solar production:
   • Smart meter reader (recommended) — e.g. Saveeye+, Powerfox.
     • Scan the QR code or enter the serial number manually.
   • CT clamp — e.g. SyncEV, Rolec, EN+.
     • Requires installation by a certified electrician.
   • Solar forecast — software-only, no device required.
     • Enter solar panel details: peak output (kW), tilt angle (°), compass direction (° from South). Optionally enter current production for calibration.
   • (BETA) Solar inverter via Enode — 24 supported brands.
5. Set the solar charge mode:
   • Solar + Grid — tops up from the grid if solar production is below the 6 A minimum needed to start charging. Recommended for smaller arrays (under 6 kW).
   • Solar Only — only charges when solar surplus meets the minimum threshold. Recommended for larger arrays (over 6 kW). Ensures a 100% green charge.
6. Tap Got it. SolarCharge is now active.

How do I set up a production forecast?

You can enter your solar panel setup details and Monta will provide an hour-by-hour production forecast based on your setup and local weather.

1. Scroll to the Production forecast section and tap Set up.
2. Tap Enter solar details and enter:
   • Peak output (kW)
   • Tilt angle (°)
   • Compass direction (° from South)

Advanced SolarCharge features

• (BETA) Avoid battery discharge — pauses charging every 15 minutes to detect actual solar surplus. Prevents your home battery from unintentionally powering the EV.
• (BETA) Always on — every new charging session defaults to SolarCharge. If there is no solar surplus, the session will not start until enough is available.