Why this charger gets searched#
The Zappi is one of the most recognisable "solar" EV chargers, and it comes up constantly in discussions about charging an electric car from rooftop solar. Its appeal is specific: it can follow your solar output and charge the car from the surplus instead of exporting it.
This guide explains what the Zappi is, how its solar modes work, and what to check before installing one. It is an orientation, not a ranking.
What the Zappi is#
The Zappi is a home EV charger made by myenergi. It is an AC Level 2 charger, and its defining feature is energy management:
- an eco mode that charges from surplus solar
- scheduling for off-peak tariffs
- integration with myenergi's energy monitors and home batteries
That energy-diverting behaviour is what separates it from a plain wall charger. The car can be told to charge only when the sun is producing more than the house is using.
How solar-following works#
A normal charger charges at a set rate whenever it is plugged in. The Zappi can instead watch the home's solar export and adjust:
- when the home is exporting, the car charges from that surplus
- when the sun drops, the charge slows or stops
- the energy that would have gone to the grid goes into the car instead
This is genuinely different from a timer, which charges at a fixed time regardless of the weather. Our solar EV charging guide explains the system-level picture.
You do not need solar#
The Zappi works as a normal charger without solar — on a schedule or a tariff window. The solar features are a benefit if you have panels, not a requirement.
That matters if you are planning solar later. A Zappi bought now can simply charge on a schedule, and the solar modes become useful once the panels are installed.
The myenergi ecosystem#
The Zappi is part of a wider myenergi system that can include:
- an energy monitor that reads import and export
- a home battery
- hot water and heating diversion devices
The appeal is coordination: one system decides what to do with the solar across the car, the battery and the hot water. That is more than a charger, and it is the main reason to choose the Zappi over a simpler unit.
Installation is electrical work#
Like any fixed charger, the Zappi needs a dedicated circuit, correct protection and possibly a current monitor for the solar modes. It is installed and certified by a licensed electrician.
What to check before buying#
- Your vehicle's maximum AC charging rate.
- Whether you have solar now, or plan it.
- Whether the solar modes need an extra energy monitor.
- Load management and supply capacity.
- The installed price, itemising the circuit and any monitoring equipment.
Bottom line#
The Zappi is the standout choice for charging an EV from surplus solar, and its energy-management ecosystem goes well beyond a basic charger. If you have or plan rooftop solar, it is worth a close look; without solar, its core advantage is unused, and a simpler charger may fit better.
For the comparison, see the best home EV charger guide and the solar EV charging guide.
Straight answers
Questions people ask about this
What is a Zappi EV charger?
The Zappi is a home EV charger made by myenergi. It is best known for its eco and solar-following modes, which let the car charge from surplus rooftop solar instead of drawing from the grid.
How does Zappi solar charging work?
The Zappi can be configured to charge only when the home is exporting surplus solar, adjusting the charge rate to follow how much solar is available. This diverts energy that would otherwise go to the grid into the car instead.
Do I need solar for a Zappi?
No. The Zappi works as a normal charger without solar, on a timer or a scheduled rate. The solar-following features are its differentiator, but they are optional. If you have no solar, those features simply are not used.
Does the Zappi need a dedicated circuit?
Yes. It is a fixed EV charger on a dedicated circuit, and installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician, including the circuit, protection and any monitoring equipment for the solar-following modes.
Sources and further reading
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