Charger Guide · Zappi

Zappi Home Chargers: What Homeowners Should Know

Zappi is the charger most often recommended to homes with solar panels, thanks to its ability to charge from surplus generation.

5 min readUpdated August 2026
Solar panels on a home with an electric car charging on the driveway

What Zappi is known for

Zappi's defining feature is its charging modes. Rather than simply pulling power from the grid, it can prioritise surplus electricity your solar panels are generating, so energy that would otherwise be exported goes into the car instead.

  • Solar surplus charging modes
  • Works alongside home battery systems
  • Tethered and untethered versions
  • Around 7kW on a single-phase supply
  • Scheduling and app control

Who it tends to suit

If you have solar PV — or you are installing it — Zappi's modes give you a genuine, ongoing reason to choose it. If you have no panels and no plans for them, you would be paying for capability you will not use, and a tariff-focused charger may serve you better.

Worth knowing

  • Solar charging needs monitoring equipment near your meter
  • Generation varies hugely between summer and winter in the UK
  • The car needs to be plugged in during daylight to benefit
Home EV charge point mounted on an exterior wall

Installation considerations

In addition to the dedicated circuit and protection every charger requires, solar functionality means fitting monitoring hardware at the meter position and running a link between that and the charger. It is worth discussing early, because it can affect where things are positioned.

No manufacturer affiliation claimed

We install Zappi units as an independent electrical contractor. We are not claiming any official partnership or accreditation with the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need solar panels to use a Zappi?

No — it works as a standard smart charger without them. The solar modes are simply the main reason people choose it.

Can it work with a home battery?

Yes, though how surplus is prioritised between the battery and the car depends on your setup. Tell us what you have and we will talk it through.

Tethered or untethered?

Both exist. Choose based on convenience, appearance and where your car's charging port sits.

Related reading

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