Few owners seeking quotes to install solar panels do so without asking a fundamental question about the future: will I be able to charge an electric vehicle?
While solar panels are a great asset for reducing your utility bills, many fail the ultimate test of being able to power an EV.
Buyers are now increasingly asking whether a home has solar panels, a battery to capture the electricity and a state-of-the-art charger for an electric vehicle.
If you’re considering selling soon and wondering what improvements might achieve a premium price and sell the property faster, you’d be hard-pressed to beat solar panels for a return on your investment.
Buyers have often researched solar power and EV charging, so you must install high-grade equipment, especially in the mid-tier and luxury ends of the market.
These top 5 tips for EV charger installation will get you started.
Location
Price will be influenced by whether you need groundwork to run an electric cable to your EV charger. You must also decide whether to opt for a pedestal or wall-mounted charger. Ideally, you will locate the charger inside a garage.
AC/DC
Most EVs now have an AC (Alternating Current) Port and a DC (Direct Current) port. We’ve found that almost all home-based charging is conducted by the AC port, as DC chargers are expensive to install.
Charging time
Most home charging will take eight hours, which is fine if your vehicle is parked at home overnight. One hour on a 7kW charger will give you a 40km range. If you spend extra on a 22kW charger, you’ll get 120 kmph.
Who do I call?
A licensed electrician is essential. Many are now specialising in this type of work. Experience counts in this field, as we’ve heard of some installation issues because of undersized circuit breakers and cables.
EV drivers
If you plan on buying an EV, we advise installing a charger regardless of whether you want to sell your home. Don’t compromise on such a large purchase if you have insufficient infrastructure to charge your vehicle quickly.