Question 1

What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging?

Accepted Answer

Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt outlet and charges slowly — fine for plug-in hybrids but slow for full EVs. Level 2 uses a dedicated 240-volt circuit and charges several times faster, typically filling an EV overnight.

Question 2

Can I charge my EV with solar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With solar you can charge during the day on power you generate; with a battery you can also charge from stored solar after sundown. We'll size the system for your home plus your car's typical mileage.

Question 3

Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. We run a load calculation on your existing panel first. If there isn't enough capacity, we'll either recommend a panel upgrade or use load-management hardware — and we'll tell you which before any work begins.

Question 4

Which EV chargers does OC Solar install?

Accepted Answer

We install the Tesla Wall Connector for Tesla vehicles and universal Level 2 chargers with the J1772 connector for other EVs, wired to code by our in-house electricians.

Question 5

Can you add a charger to my existing solar?

Accepted Answer

Yes — in most cases we can add a Level 2 charger to a home that already has solar, after confirming your panel and circuit capacity. If you're also considering a battery, tell us at the same time: charging from stored solar after sundown is the cheapest way to fuel a car, and planning both at once avoids redundant electrical work.

Question 6

How much does it cost to install a home EV charger?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the distance from your electrical panel to where you park, your panel's spare capacity, and whether you need a panel upgrade or load-management hardware — the charger itself is only part of the total. We run a load calculation first and give you an itemized price before any work begins. Estimates are free, and bundling with solar lets us size everything once.

Question 7

How fast does a Level 2 charger charge?

Accepted Answer

Several times faster than a wall outlet. A Level 2 charger runs on a dedicated 240-volt circuit and typically fills an EV overnight, versus the slow trickle of a standard 120-volt plug that suits plug-in hybrids but frustrates full-EV owners. For daily driving, it's the difference between waking up to a full battery and rationing your range.

Question 8

When is the cheapest time to charge my EV?

Accepted Answer

Not 4–9 PM. Under California's time-of-use rates, the evening peak is the most expensive way to fill a car. The cheap windows are midday on your own solar, from a battery filled by daytime solar, or overnight on off-peak rates — and most EVs and chargers can schedule charging automatically. We size and wire the charger so those cheap windows actually cover your driving.

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Charge your car on power you make.

Level 2 — overnight full charge

Charge on your own solar

Licensed, code-correct wiring

Pairs with Powerwall

Solar + EV is the obvious pairing

Tesla Wall Connector and universal J1772

Where we install

EV Charging FAQ

Verified track record, in-house crews

Charge smarter with solar

Refer a friend.

Ready to take control of your power bill?