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NKen63
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January 15, 2026
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Advice needed - planning to upgrade to 3-phase electrics - but I have solar panels (inherited rental arrangement) - what are the knock on effects of going 3-phase?

  • January 15, 2026
  • 14 replies
  • 163 views

I'd like to install a 22v EV charger and a kiln at home so it’s probably time for 3-phase electrics - but I have solar panels (inherited rental arrangement) - what are the knock on effects of going 3-phase?
Here’s my initial thoughts for things to investigate.  What am I missing and what do I need to consider/ask - and who do I need to involve? I’d really appreciate advice so I can go into this with my eyes open.

  1. replace current consumer unit
  2. replace current smart meter (fairly old) - OVO says they don’t have any 3 phase meters - should I accept this or try to find someone who can do this?
  3. replace solar inverter?
  4. anything else ref solar panels connections?
  5. any rewiring needed in general? - is that likely?
  6. install of EV charger
  7. install of battery (one day! - not permitted under solar rental agreement)
  8. install of kiln

anything else?

​@Transparent if you’re still active in the forum, I read your (historical) discussion with MarkC about his phase 3 install etc and was mightily impressed with your knowledge and advice - any thoughts?

Thanks in advance forum!

 

 

 

 

 

    Best answer by Peter E

    There appears to be very little I can find regarding suppliers that support three phase and solar export. Answers tend to pivot around the equipment needed to do it rather than suppliers who will allow it. Even on Chat which gives more targetted answers is pointing me more towards equipment rather than suppliers which is unusual which suggests it not done very often. The solutions tend to pivot around three phase solar to grid inverters which you obviously don't have at the moment and something you couldn't change.

     

    Going back to your orginal post I see that an EV charger was also on the list. One possibility is to maximise the solar to EV charging route but that tends only to be successful on the sunniest of days when the solar is producing more than the minimum 1.4kW (6A) needed by the car. You will need a bit more for the house load as well. On partly clouded days there appears to be no issue with intermittently charging the car regarding battery life.

     

    If I think of anything else I'll come back on here otherwise I'll just see what else pops up on this thread.

     

    Peter

     

    14 replies

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    Peter E
    Super User
    Peter ESuper UserSolved
    Super User
    January 18, 2026

    There appears to be very little I can find regarding suppliers that support three phase and solar export. Answers tend to pivot around the equipment needed to do it rather than suppliers who will allow it. Even on Chat which gives more targetted answers is pointing me more towards equipment rather than suppliers which is unusual which suggests it not done very often. The solutions tend to pivot around three phase solar to grid inverters which you obviously don't have at the moment and something you couldn't change.

     

    Going back to your orginal post I see that an EV charger was also on the list. One possibility is to maximise the solar to EV charging route but that tends only to be successful on the sunniest of days when the solar is producing more than the minimum 1.4kW (6A) needed by the car. You will need a bit more for the house load as well. On partly clouded days there appears to be no issue with intermittently charging the car regarding battery life.

     

    If I think of anything else I'll come back on here otherwise I'll just see what else pops up on this thread.

     

    Peter

     

    Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas)
      Chris_OVO
      Community Manager
      Chris_OVO
      Community Manager
      January 19, 2026

      Hey ​@NKen63,

       

      Welcome to the community! 

       

      You've received many helpful replies so far, and it's wonderful to see so many community members offering advice and support! If you have the time, please share some photos of your current setup. This can be really helpful, as it allows everyone to see what you’re working with, and we can often tailor our advice based on your specific circumstances. Please keep us updated; we look forward to following your journey!

      Renewable energy jokes never get old.
      ExcelEnergy
      Newcomer
      ExcelEnergy
      Newcomer
      March 9, 2026

      Hi ​@NKen63 
       


      Going 3-phase will likely need a new consumer unit, possible rewiring, and a compatible smart meter (check suppliers). Your solar inverter might need checking, and EV/kiln circuits must be sized correctly. Get a qualified electrician to review everything, especially with your rental solar setup.

        Ben_OVO
        Community Manager
        Ben_OVO
        Community Manager
        March 9, 2026

        Thanks for your helpful input here ​@ExcelEnergy - much appreciated!

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