Integration of Smart Home & Energy Systems: From Solar Inverter to Smart Thermostat to EV Charger

As UK homes embrace renewable energy, the next frontier isn’t just generating power — it’s connecting it. Smart homes are no longer limited to voice assistants or app-controlled lights. The real innovation is in linking solar panels, battery storage, smart thermostats, and EV chargers into one intelligent ecosystem that maximises efficiency, comfort, and savings.

Why Integration Matters

Many households already have solar panels, perhaps a home battery or an electric vehicle (EV). But without integration, each system works in isolation — your panels export to the grid while your EV charges at night, and your heating system runs without knowing your solar production.

A connected smart home, however, coordinates everything automatically:

• Solar inverter reports real-time generation.

• Battery system stores excess energy intelligently.

• Smart thermostat adjusts heating based on available solar or cheaper tariff windows.

• EV charger schedules charging when solar is abundant or tariffs are lowest.

This orchestration is known as demand shifting — moving your energy use to match renewable generation and off-peak prices. The result? Lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

How the Systems Communicate

Smart integration relies on communication protocols and platforms — the digital “languages” that devices use to talk to each other. Here’s a look at the most common and effective ones available in the UK.

Home Assistant

An open-source platform that acts as a “brain” for your smart home. It can connect devices from hundreds of manufacturers — including solar inverters (Fronius, SolarEdge, Victron), EV chargers (Zappi, Wallbox), and thermostats (Nest, Tado).

• Runs locally (no cloud reliance).

• Integrates energy dashboards showing generation, consumption, and battery levels in real time.

• Highly customisable with automations (e.g. “charge EV only when battery above 60%”).

OpenHAB

Similar to Home Assistant, OpenHAB is another open-source option popular with advanced users.

• Works across multiple standards (Z-Wave, Zigbee, MQTT).

• Excellent for integrating legacy or less-common devices.

• Ideal for users who prefer total control and custom logic.

Smart Hubs (Commercial Platforms)

For homeowners who prefer simpler, plug-and-play options:

• Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, and Apple Home now support the new Matter standard, improving interoperability.

• myenergi ecosystem (Zappi + Eddi + Harvi) offers seamless control between EV charging, immersion diversion, and solar systems — designed and built in the UK.

• Tado and Hive integrate well with time-of-use tariffs and can respond automatically to cheap or green energy windows.

Real-World Example: A Day in a Connected Home

Imagine a typical winter’s day:

1. Morning sun hits your panels. Your inverter reports generation.

2. Home Assistant sees excess solar power and diverts it to charge your battery.

3. Your EV charger pauses because the battery is priority.

4. As evening approaches, the battery discharges to power your heating and lighting.

5. When your dynamic tariff hits off-peak (e.g. 11 pm), the system automatically charges your EV.

6. You wake up to a full car, a warm home, and an energy bill that’s 40–60% lower than before.

Benefits of a Fully Integrated Energy Ecosystem

Optimised energy use — Make the most of every kWh your panels generate.
Lower costs — Automatically shift loads to low-tariff or high-generation periods.
Reduced grid reliance — Maximise self-consumption, less export waste.
Improved comfort — Smart thermostats anticipate your needs without manual input.
Future-proofing — As the UK grid evolves, your system can adapt to new tariffs and technologies.

What’s Next for UK Homes

With Matter and Thread protocols becoming mainstream in 2025, device compatibility will become much simpler. Expect to see:

• Easier plug-and-play integration between brands.

• More solar- and EV-aware appliances (e.g. washing machines that start when solar is available).

• Smarter grid interaction through upcoming Demand Flexibility Schemes.

How UKGEI Can Help

At UKGEI, we design and install solar, battery, and EV systems that are ready for smart home integration. Whether you’re starting fresh or want to connect your existing setup, our team can recommend compatible products, install communication gateways, and configure automations that make your home truly intelligent.

Talk to our experts to find out how your solar inverter, battery, and EV charger can finally work together.

How to Use Your EV Battery to Support Your Home: UK Guide to Smart Power Sharing

As electric vehicles (EVs) and home battery storage become more common in the UK, homeowners are discovering a powerful new advantage: your car battery can act as an extra energy reserve for your home.

Instead of worrying about your home battery running out and relying on expensive grid electricity, you can borrow energy from your EV during peak hours. Later, when cheaper tariffs usually kick in after 7pm, you simply recharge both your car and your home battery overnight at a lower rate.

With the right setup, this two-way energy sharing—known as vehicle-to-home (V2H)—helps you cut bills, avoid peak costs, and make your household energy system far more resilient.

What Is Two-Way Power Sharing?

Two-way (bi-directional) energy systems allow electricity to flow in both directions:

• Battery → EV: Charge your car using your home battery or solar when surplus energy is available.

• EV → Home: Feed electricity from your car battery back into your house when your home battery is depleted.

Think of it as turning your EV into a mobile power bank for your home.

Why Borrow Power From Your EV Battery?

In the UK, electricity tariffs vary throughout the day. Peak rates in the afternoon and early evening can be expensive, while cheaper “time-of-use” rates often start from 7pm or later.

By using your EV to cover your household needs when your home battery is empty, you can:

• Avoid Peak Tariffs – Reduce reliance on costly grid electricity.

• Maximise Cheap Night Rates – Recharge both home and EV batteries during off-peak hours.

• Improve Energy Security – Keep your home running even when solar or stored energy runs low.

Smart Ways to Manage EV-to-Home Energy Flow

1. Set Energy Priorities

Most smart inverters allow you to choose where energy goes first. By prioritising your home, your EV acts as backup rather than the main power source.

2. Use Time-of-Use Scheduling

Plan your recharging around your supplier’s tariff. For example, discharge your EV into your home during expensive hours, then recharge both batteries overnight on a cheaper tariff.

3. Monitor With Apps

Modern EVs and home energy systems come with apps that track real-time energy flow. You’ll see exactly how much is borrowed from your car and when it’s best to top everything up.

Future of EV-to-Home Energy in the UK

The idea of vehicle-to-home charging is growing quickly in the UK energy market. In the near future, we can expect:

• Smarter tariffs designed for households with EVs and home batteries.

• Dynamic balancing systems that automatically shift energy between home, EV, and grid for maximum savings.

• Greater resilience, turning every EV into a reliable backup power source.

Bottom Line

Home energy management is no longer just about storing solar in a battery—it’s about using your EV as part of your energy strategy. By borrowing from your car battery when your home battery is depleted, and recharging both during cheaper night tariffs, you can save money, reduce grid reliance, and future-proof your household energy system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EV-to-Home Power in the UK

Can I use my EV battery to power my home in the UK?

Yes. If you have a vehicle and charger that support vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology, you can power your home using your EV. In areas like Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, more homeowners are installing compatible chargers to take advantage of cheaper tariffs and energy independence.

Is vehicle-to-home energy worth it in the South East?

Absolutely. Households in Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire can see real savings by using V2H. Instead of paying high peak rates, you can borrow from your EV battery when your home battery is empty, then recharge both on cheaper night tariffs.

Will using my EV to power my home damage the battery?

No—modern EVs are designed for bi-directional charging. The battery management systems in most compatible cars carefully control charging and discharging to minimise wear, so it’s safe for both your EV and your home setup.

What UK energy tariffs work best for EV-to-home charging?

Time-of-use tariffs such as Octopus Go, OVO Anytime, or other off-peak EV tariffs are ideal. Many homeowners in Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire already use these to recharge both their EV and home battery at night when electricity rates are lowest.

Can I get vehicle-to-home installed in Surrey, Hampshire, or Berkshire?

Yes. Local installers in these counties are increasingly offering V2H-compatible systems, including solar integration, home battery storage, and bi-directional EV chargers. Choosing a specialist in your area ensures your system is set up correctly and optimised for UK tariffs.

Solar Battery Storage: AC-Coupled vs Hybrid Inverters – Which Is Right for You?

As solar power adoption grows across the UK, more households and businesses are exploring battery storage to maximise the benefits of their solar panels. But when adding storage, one of the most important decisions is how your batteries connect to the system — and that comes down to choosing between an AC-coupled inverter and a hybrid inverter.

Both options have their advantages, and the right choice will depend on whether you’re installing a new solar system or retrofitting to an existing one.

What Is a Hybrid Inverter?

A solar inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which powers your home. Some batteries include built-in inverters, while others rely on external inverters.

A hybrid inverter is a single device that manages both your solar panels and battery storage.

• It takes DC electricity directly from your solar panels.

• It can send that DC into your batteries for storage.

• It also converts DC → AC for household use and export to the grid.

In short: one piece of equipment does it all.

✅ Simplifies installation
✅ Space-saving design
✅ Higher efficiency (less energy lost in conversions)

❌ More expensive upfront if you already own a standard solar inverter
❌ If the hybrid inverter fails, both solar and battery stop working

What Is an AC-Coupled Inverter?

An AC-coupled inverter is a separate battery inverter that works alongside your existing solar inverter.

• The solar inverter converts solar DC → AC for your home.

• The AC-coupled inverter then takes that AC, re-converts it into DC to charge the battery, and back into AC when discharging.

In short: it’s an add-on that lets you keep your existing setup.

✅ Ideal for retrofits (you don’t need to replace your solar inverter)
✅ Flexible — easy to upgrade or replace components separately
✅ Can sometimes keep solar and battery running independently if one fails
❌ Slightly less efficient (extra conversion steps)
❌ Requires more wiring and space

Which Is Right for You?

• Installing a brand-new solar system?
  A hybrid inverter is usually the most efficient and tidy solution, giving you seamless integration and fewer energy losses.

• Already have solar panels?
  An AC-coupled inverter is often the smarter choice, letting you add batteries without scrapping your existing equipment.

At the end of the day, both options can deliver reliable savings and greater energy independence. The best choice depends on your setup, your budget, and how future-proof you want your system to be.

AC-Coupled vs Hybrid Inverters — quick comparison to help you decide

Feature	Hybrid Inverter	AC-Coupled Inverter
Best For	Brand-new solar + battery installs where simplicity and efficiency are priorities.	Retrofitting battery storage to an existing solar system without replacing the solar inverter.
Efficiency	Higher — direct DC coupling reduces conversion losses (fewer DC↔AC stages).	Lower — involves extra conversions (solar DC→AC then battery AC→DC→AC), which can slightly reduce round-trip efficiency.
Installation	One combined unit, simpler wiring and a more compact footprint; quicker install overall.	Requires separate solar and battery inverters, more wiring and space — typically a longer install.
Upfront Cost	Often better value when starting fresh (one device handles everything), though hybrid units can be pricier per unit.	Can be cheaper for retrofits because you keep your existing solar inverter; battery inverter is an add-on.
Flexibility / Scalability	More limited — you’re constrained by the hybrid unit’s specs and upgrade path.	Highly flexible — easier to scale storage, change brands, or replace a single component later.
Resilience / Redundancy	Single point of failure: if the hybrid inverter fails, both PV generation and battery may be offline.	Greater independence: solar and battery systems can sometimes operate separately if one inverter fails.
Typical Use Case (short)	New install — households wanting a tidy, efficient integrated system.	Retrofit — owners who already have solar and want to add storage without major replacement.

Note: hybrid inverters are typically the most efficient for new installs; AC-coupled setups offer flexibility for retrofits.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

At UK Green Energy Installations, we design and install tailored solar and battery solutions across the South of England. Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading an existing system, we’ll help you choose the right inverter technology to maximise your investment.

📞 Contact us today to discuss your solar battery storage options on 0333 577 5229

Myenergi: The Smart, Integrated Green Solution for Families

For many families, the journey towards a greener lifestyle can feel overwhelming. Do you start with solar? A home battery? An EV charger? Or maybe a way to cut down on heating costs? With Myenergi, you don’t have to choose. Their smart, integrated range of solutions – including zappi glo, libbi, eddi, and harvi – offers a one-stop shop for families who want to save money, reduce carbon emissions, and take control of their energy future.

An Integrated Ecosystem Designed for Families

What makes Myenergi stand out is the way all its products work together seamlessly. Instead of juggling different systems, you can build a connected green energy ecosystem at your own pace:

• zappi glo – The latest generation of Myenergi’s EV charger. More than just a plug, it allows you to charge your electric vehicle using renewable energy from your solar panels or wind turbine, as well as grid electricity. With stylish design and advanced smart charging modes, zappi glo makes EV ownership practical and eco-friendly.

• eddi – A power diverter that sends surplus renewable energy into your hot water tank or heating system. Instead of exporting unused energy to the grid, you use it in your own home – reducing bills and boosting self-sufficiency.

• libbi – Myenergi’s smart home battery. Store your renewable energy for when you need it most, helping to balance day and night usage while protecting your home from rising energy costs.

• harvi – A clever wireless energy sensor that monitors your generation and usage. It communicates with your other Myenergi devices without the need for extra cabling, keeping installation simple and your home uncluttered.

Together, these products create a flexible, future-proof solution that grows with your family’s needs.

Control Everything from the Myenergi App

At the heart of the Myenergi ecosystem is the Myenergi app. With a single tap, you can:

• Track energy generation, storage, and usage in real time.

• Control when your EV charges, your water heats, or your battery discharges.

• Set schedules and optimise for savings, convenience, or sustainability.

• Manage your entire green home system – all from your smartphone.

This smart technology means your family doesn’t just go green – you go smart green.

Why Families Love Myenergi

One-stop solution – No need to piece together different systems from multiple providers.

1. Flexible entry point – Start with a single product, like zappi glo, and expand as your energy journey evolves.

2. Sustainable savings – Make the most of your self-generated energy and cut down on rising utility bills.

3. Future-proof – With continuous software updates and integrated design, your system gets smarter over time.

Why Choose UKGEI as Your Installer

As a certified Myenergi installer, UKGEI helps families across the UK take their first steps toward a greener lifestyle. When you choose us, you’ll get:

• Expert guidance on the right solutions for your home.

• Professional, hassle-free installation.

• Ongoing support to make sure your Myenergi system works exactly as it should.

With UKGEI and Myenergi, families can enjoy a seamless path to sustainable living – from charging your car to heating your home, all controlled in one place.

Myenergi FAQs

Do I need solar panels to use zappi glo?

No – zappi glo can charge your car directly from the grid, but it really shines when connected to solar or wind generation, allowing you to power your EV with clean, free energy.

Can eddi work without libbi?

Yes – eddi can operate on its own, diverting excess solar or wind energy into your hot water system. However, when combined with libbi, you can store even more energy for use later, giving you greater flexibility.

What does harvi do?

Harvi is a wireless energy sensor that measures generation and usage, sending this information to your Myenergi devices. It removes the need for extra cabling, making installations simpler and tidier.

Is libbi just for homes with solar panels?

No – while libbi is designed to store renewable energy, it can also store grid electricity. This allows you to charge it during off-peak times and use the stored power when prices are higher.

Can I start with one Myenergi product and add more later?

Absolutely – the system is modular. Many families start with zappi glo for EV charging, then expand to include eddi, libbi, and harvi as their green journey evolves.

Is everything controlled by the app?

Yes – the Myenergi app brings all your devices together. From one simple interface, you can see what’s happening in real time, control settings, and optimise for cost savings or sustainability.