What to Know Before Installing an EV Charger at Home

Getting an electric vehicle is exciting. You’ll enjoy a quiet ride and no longer need to buy gas. To keep your car charged, you’ll need a reliable place to plug in. Public stations are helpful when you’re out, but having a charger at home is even better. Just plug in at night and wake up to a full battery. This convenience can change your driving routine, and with a little planning, the process is easy.

Assessing Electrical Capacity

Your home must have enough electrical capacity for an EV charger, which uses a steady, heavy load. Check your electrical panel—the metal box with breakers. Many older homes in Hawaii have 100-amp service, which may be too small. You might need to upgrade to 200 amps. A dedicated circuit is required to prevent overloading your wires. An electrician will calculate your home’s load and determine if your current system can handle the extra demand.

Picking the Right Speed

There are two main types of chargers. Level 1 chargers use a standard wall outlet, but they are very slow—a full charge can take days. This option works if you don’t drive much. Most people choose Level 2 chargers, which use a 240-volt outlet like the one for an electric dryer. With Level 2, you get 20 to 40 miles of range per hour, which suits most daily needs. Consider which charging speed fits your driving habits best.

Costs and Local Incentives

The cost of installing an electric car charger can vary. Part of the price is for the hardware, and the rest is for labor. If your electrical panel is close to your garage, installation is usually less expensive. More complex jobs, like trenching or upgrading your panel, will cost more. Hawaii offers state rebates to help lower the price, and federal tax credits are also available. These programs can reduce your total investment.

Get Professional Help Today

Working with high voltage can be dangerous, so it’s best not to do this yourself. Oceanhead Solar will handle your charging station setup from start to finish. We assess your home, take care of permits, and install the unit safely. You’ll end up with a reliable system you can trust.

Contact Oceanhead Solar now for your installation quote.

Image Source: Gordine N// Shutterstock