Electric vehicles (EVs) are more popular than ever — almost one in five vehicles sold last year were electric. As a result, there is an increased demand for home EV chargers. An EV charger installation can be an easy process, and a charger can boost your home’s value for the future, too.
Here are some tips for homeowners considering an EV charger installation — particularly in conjunction with solar power.
Understanding The Basics Of EV Chargers
EV chargers are divided into three general categories:
- Level 1 Chargers: Any standard outlet can accommodate a Level 1 charger. At one kilowatt-hours of charge speed, it may take more than 40 hours to fully charge a car — which is fine for those who don’t commute every day, but may be impractical for others. On the plus side, if you have a standard electrical outlet in your garage, there are no installation costs!
- Level 2 Chargers: The most common chargers are Level 2, which requires the installation of a dedicated 240v circuit for the car. Most cars will charge in around four to 10 hours on a Level 2 charger, making it more convenient and faster than a Level 1 charger. This setup does require professional installation and the cost of the charger itself.
- Level 3 Chargers: Level 3 chargers are the most potent, charging some cars in as little as 30 minutes. These are the chargers often seen in public use settings such as convenience areas. However, the electrical infrastructure required to operate them is not typically found in homes.
What Uprise Experts Will Look For In Your EV Charger Site Visit
Our professional EV charger installers can help you assess your home’s electrical capacity. They’ll examine your main service panel and home or garage to confirm the following:
- Do you have a safe, convenient place to install the charger?
- Will there be clearance around the vehicle to plug it in?
- Do you have a 200 amp electrical panel?
Our installation team can help you understand how conducive your space is and let you know about any amendments you may need.
Choosing The Right Location For Your EV Charger
When considering an EV charger installation, you’ll need to factor in more than just the device level.
- Outdoor Installation: May require more maintenance to protect the charger from the elements.
- Indoor Installation: May make the space feel cramped if not placed in an optimal location.
- Distance from Electrical System: The further you charge the vehicle from the home’s electrical system, the more wiring our installers will need, which can mean higher installation costs.
Relying on a professional installer ensures all aspects are carefully considered to get the right charger, in the right location.
Integrating EV Chargers With Solar Power
EV chargers work well with solar power! With an EV charger plus solar, you’ll:
- Save more on your bills
- Avoid trips to the gas station
- Reduce your environmental impact in multiple ways at once
- Reduce strain on the electrical grid, which is great for your neighborhood
Our sales team can help you factor an EV charger into your overall solar design. Let your team member know you’re considering an EV charger, or may do so in the future. Thanks to the many synergies between EV charging and solar, from reduced operating costs to decreased environmental harm, including an EV charger with a solar array is a smart choice! Find out more about how an electric car plus solar will save you money in our blog post.
Understanding Installation Costs And Incentives
Federal and state incentives are available to help mitigate the cost of an installation. For instance, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit allows residential homeowners to recoup up to 30% of the cost of installing electrical vehicle charging equipment (up to $1,000).
Some utility companies offer rebates to encourage people to alter their electricity consumption habits or go solar, so you could have access to multiple incentives. Some are specific to your local area; check the Alternative Fuels Data Center for more information.
Maintaining Your EV Charger
Once we install your EV charger, we’re here for you. Reach out to Uprise if you notice any issues with your charger, such as damage to the outside of the charger (cracks or dents), any exposed wires, or if your charger stops powering up your car as quickly as it used to.
Uprise Solar Can Help With Your EV Charger Installation
Electric vehicles are only going to get more popular, with some sources calculating that as many as 58% of all car sales will be EVs by 2030. There is no better time to invest in this climate-friendly trend than now, thanks to a wide range of incentives and rebates that can make the process more affordable.
Uprise offers personalized consultation and installation services so you can be sure you’re getting the right charger for your needs. Contact us to get started on an install with the experts.