The Tariff Optimiser

Tariff-led charging prioritises when electricity is cheapest, rather than when it’s generated.

Instead of responding to solar availability, this approach schedules EV charging around off-peak pricing windows — most commonly overnight — using time-of-use electricity tariffs.

For some households, this brings predictability and simplicity. For others, it can feel disconnected from how their home generates and uses energy.

This page explains tariff-led EV charging and how this approach compares with solar-first charging in real homes.

In a tariff-led setup, charging is planned in advance.

The charger responds to:

• electricity prices

• tariff schedules

• predefined charging windows

Rather than:

• sunlight levels

• household energy flows

• real-time generation

Once configured, the system typically runs in the background with little day-to-day adjustment.

Tariff-led charging is commonly used by households that:

• charge primarily overnight

• use time-of-use or smart tariffs

• value predictable charging outcomes

• prefer automation over manual control

• may not have solar panels installed

It’s often chosen for routine and consistency, rather than alignment with generation.

Households using this approach often value:

• predictable overnight charging

• lower electricity prices during off-peak hours

• minimal manual intervention

• simple, repeatable routines

These benefits depend heavily on tariff structure and usage patterns, and aren’t guaranteed in every household.

Tariff-led charging also comes with limitations:

• charging is tied to tariff availability

• daytime solar generation may go unused

• self-consumption of solar can be reduced

• savings depend on stable, well-understood tariffs

In homes with solar panels, tariff-led charging can shift energy use away from daytime generation, even when solar is available.

• Solar Purist focuses on using electricity as it’s generated

• Tariff Optimiser focuses on electricity price windows

• Home Energy Ecosystem focuses on integration across solar, batteries, EVs, and the grid

Each approach solves a different problem.
There is no universal best fit.

When considering tariff-led charging, it helps to think about:

• when you usually charge

• how predictable your driving patterns are

• whether tariffs in your area are stable

• how important solar self-consumption is to you

This page is designed to help you understand the model — not to push you toward a specific setup.

If this approach doesn’t feel right, that’s a useful outcome — not a missed opportunity.

Most households naturally lean toward one approach based on priorities, habits, and tolerance for complexity.

Some remain firmly tariff-led.
Some move toward solar-first.
Many end up using elements of more than one approach over time.

Understanding the differences matters more than committing early.

This site provides independent, plain-English guidance on electric vehicle charging.
Costs, suitability, and outcomes vary depending on the home, vehicle, energy tariff, and usage patterns.

Nothing on this site should be treated as installation advice or a substitute for an on-site assessment by a qualified professional.