How the iStore EV Charger’s Solar‑Only Mode Helps You Beat Rising Energy & Fuel Costs
If you own an electric vehicle and already have rooftop solar, you’re perfectly positioned to unlock the cleanest — and cheapest — form of home charging available today. Thanks to the iStore EV Charger with Solar‑Only Mode, Australian homeowners can now charge their EVs using excess solar power only, cutting down on energy bills, reducing grid reliance, and avoiding the pain of skyrocketing fuel prices.
Solargain's Ricardo Merlacco chats to iStore's Jack 'Longi' Long to get the latest updates for the iStore EV Charger 'Solar Only' Mode!
What Is Solar‑Only Mode?
Solar‑Only Mode (also called 'excess PV Charging' mode) is a smart charging feature built into the iStore EV Charger. When activated, it ensures your EV charges only when your home is generating surplus solar energy. Instead of exporting excess solar to the grid for a low feed‑in tariff, your charger redirects it into your EV — delivering zero‑cost charging during sunny hours.
Why homeowners love Solar‑Only Mode:
- Uses only excess solar energy
- Avoids daytime grid rates
- Reduces demand charges
- Increases solar self‑consumption
- Lowers your overall energy bill
For households generating more solar than they use during the day, this feature is a simple way to convert that unused energy into real savings.
How Solar‑Only Mode Reduces Your Energy Bills
Exporting solar typically earns only a small credit per kilowatt-hour. Charging an EV from the grid, however, can cost significantly more — especially with rising electricity prices.
By shifting EV charging to solar, homeowners can:
- Avoid grid electricity
- Reduce peak‑rate charging costs
- Increase the value of every kWh generated
This is one of the most effective ways to maximise your solar investment.
Cleaner Driving With Zero Emissions
Charging your EV with solar energy instead of grid power drastically reduces your driving emissions.
Solar‑Only Mode lets you:
- Drive with 100% renewable energy
- Reduce your home’s carbon footprint
- Make your transport truly sustainable
It's not just cheaper — it’s the cleanest charging available.
Smart, Seamless Integration With Your Home
The iStore EV Charger is designed to work in harmony with your existing solar system. It intelligently monitors export levels and adjusts the charging rate in real time.
Additional benefits include:
- Intuitive app control
- Multiple charging modes (Fast, Boost, Solar‑Only)
- Automatic switching based on solar availability
- User‑friendly interface
Everything is engineered to make charging simple, efficient, and stress‑free.
Why Solar‑Only Mode Is the Perfect Tool Against High Fuel Prices
With rising global fuel uncertainty and petrol price spikes, more Australians are switching to EVs to avoid the cost of traditional fuel.
Solar‑Only Mode helps homeowners:
- Completely avoid petrol costs
- Reduce the financial impact of fuel price volatility
- Take control of their transport energy
- Escape the global fuel crisis
When your solar system powers your vehicle, you’re no longer tied to the petrol pump.
Why Choose Solargain?
With more than 21 years of solar industry experience, Solargain is one of Australia’s most trusted names in solar, battery, EV charging, and energy efficiency solutions.
Here’s what sets us apart:
1. Over 21 Years of Trusted Solar Expertise
Solargain has installed and supported solar solutions across Australia for more than two decades.
That means you receive:
- Highly trained installers
- Quality workmanship
- Reliable support
- Proven system longevity
Your energy system is a long‑term investment — and we’ll be here to support you for the long run.
2. We Offer the Full iStore Energy‑Saving Product Suite
Solargain supplies and installs the complete iStore range, including:
- iStore EV Chargers
- iStore Solar Inverters
- iStore Batteries
- iStore Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
- iStore Pool Heaters
This fully integrated solution helps lower household bills, boost energy independence, and increase your solar payback.
3. Protect Your Household From Fuel Price Spikes
High petrol prices continue to impact households across Australia.
By switching to solar‑powered EV charging, you can:
- Drive for free using your own rooftop solar
- Stay insulated from global fuel instability
- Reduce your yearly transport costs dramatically
Solar‑Only Mode gives you energy independence right in your driveway.
4. Professional Installation & Setup
Every Solargain installation includes:
- Configuration of Solar‑Only Mode
- App setup and training
- Clean, compliant electrical works
- System optimisation for your home
We ensure your iStore charger delivers maximum value from day one.
Charge Smarter. Drive Cleaner. Spend Less.
The iStore EV Charger with Solar‑Only Mode is one of the smartest investments you can make if you want to reduce energy bills, lower fuel costs, and maximise the value of your rooftop solar.
And with Solargain’s 21+ years of experience and access to the full iStore product suite, you’re in the best hands for installation, support, and long‑term energy savings.
Ready to Start Driving on Sunshine?
Get in touch with Solargain today to book your iStore EV Charger installation and take the next step toward energy independence.
Get a FREE quote today!

