myenergi Zappi Review 2026: The Solar EV Charger Benchmark
The myenergi Zappi has been the UK's leading solar-integrated EV charger since its launch in 2018. Eight years on, it remains the reference point for any homeowner with solar panels who wants to maximise the proportion of free solar energy used to charge their electric vehicle. As OZEV-authorised EV charger installers, we install Zappi regularly as part of our EV charger installation service — this review reflects genuine installer and customer experience.
What Makes Zappi Different
Most EV chargers operate in a single mode: push power to the car as fast as possible. Zappi was designed from the outset to work with solar panels, operating in three distinct charging modes:
- Eco mode: Charges using surplus solar energy only, down to a minimum of 1.4kW. The car charges only when your solar is generating more than your home is consuming. Essentially free charging from solar surplus.
- Eco+ mode: Charges using solar surplus but boosts with grid power to maintain a minimum charge rate. Useful when solar generation is low but you need the car charged by a specific time.
- Fast mode: Charges at maximum rate regardless of solar generation — 7.4kW from a single-phase supply, up to 22kW three-phase. Useful for rapid charging when solar isn't a priority.
This mode flexibility is why Zappi remains the preferred choice for households that primarily want to use their own solar generation to charge their EV. The eco mode genuinely works: on a sunny Teesside day, a home generating 4kW of solar with 2kW of household consumption routes that 2kW surplus directly into the car throughout the day — without the homeowner having to do anything.
Key Specifications
- Output: 7.4kW (single phase), 22kW (three phase)
- Cable: Tethered (Type 2, 6.5m) or untethered (socket only)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, with optional Harvi wireless CT clamp
- App: myenergi app (iOS and Android)
- Integration: Works with myenergi hub, eddi (hot water diverter) and Libbi battery
- Smart tariff integration: Agile Octopus compatible
The Harvi Wireless CT Clamp
For solar divert to work, Zappi needs to measure both your solar generation and your home consumption in real time. The Harvi wireless CT clamp clips around your generation cables and transmits data to the Zappi wirelessly — no additional wiring required. This makes installation straightforward even in properties where running a hard-wired CT clamp cable between the solar inverter and the charger would be complex. The Harvi battery typically lasts 12–24 months before needing replacement.
myenergi Ecosystem Integration
Zappi integrates natively with other myenergi products. The eddi hot water diverter works in parallel with Zappi, routing solar surplus to both EV charging and hot water simultaneously. The Libbi battery stores solar for later. The myenergi hub provides monitoring across all devices. For households wanting an integrated home energy management ecosystem, myenergi provides a compelling native option.
Zappi vs Ohme: Which to Choose?
The choice between Zappi and Ohme depends primarily on your priorities:
- If you have solar panels and want to maximise solar charging — Zappi is the specialist, with more sophisticated solar divert functionality
- If you use Octopus Energy and want the smartest tariff integration — Ohme wins, with direct Octopus API connection and Intelligent Go optimisation
- If you want both solar and Octopus integration — either works, but Zappi's Agile Octopus compatibility and solar divert combination is very capable for the technically engaged homeowner
Installation Notes
Zappi installs cleanly on any standard EV charger circuit. The tethered option is most popular — a permanently attached cable avoids the inconvenience of storing a separate cable. Three-phase installation requires a 3-phase supply (63A per phase) and an electrician who can work with three-phase systems, which is standard for commercial properties but less common in domestic settings. Most UK homes are single-phase only.
Cost and OZEV Grant
Zappi hardware costs approximately £650–£750 depending on configuration (tethered/untethered, single/three phase). With the £350 OZEV Homecharge grant, net hardware cost is approximately £300–£400. Our fully installed price including all cabling, circuit protection and OZEV grant deduction is typically £700–£1,100 depending on installation complexity. Contact ALPS Electrical for a Zappi installation quote in Teesside and the North East.