Plug-in vehicles are now common sights on Garden State roads. Drivers soon learn that the real convenience of owning an electric car starts when a Level 2 charger is mounted on the wall at home. This guide explains the equipment options, state and utility incentives, typical pricing, and how SolarMe streamlines the whole job from permit to final inspection.
Why a Dedicated Level 2 Charger Matters
A factory-supplied 120-volt cable adds about five miles of range per hour—fine for emergencies, not for daily driving. A 240-volt Level 2 unit boosts that rate to 20–40 miles per hour, filling most batteries overnight. The faster turn-around lets you time charging to off-peak rates or solar surplus, trimming your power bill instead of raising it.
Incentives That Cut the Bill
- New Jersey’s Charge Up program offers a $250 rebate when residents install a qualifying Level 2 charger at a primary home .
- PSE&G’s residential program supplies up to $1,500 in utility-side upgrades for service panels that need extra capacity and grants monthly bill credits when the charger is network-connected .
- A 30 % federal tax credit (subject to income-tax liability) applies to hardware and installation labor through 2032.
Equipment Choices
SolarMe installs Enphase, Tesla Wall Connector, and JuiceBox models because they integrate cleanly with solar and battery systems. All three share:
• Wi-Fi or cellular monitoring
• Load-sharing for multiple EVs
• Weather-sealed NEMA 3 enclosures
(Only bullet list in article.)
Permitting and Electrical Upgrades
- Service-panel capacity check. Homes with 100 amp service often need either a main breaker reduction or a smart panel (see second article).
- NEC-compliant wiring in metal conduit from panel to charger location.
- Local permit submission and utility notification—required in every NJ township.
SolarMe’s in-house master electricians handle each step and schedule the final inspection so you never shuffle paperwork.
Typical Project Budget
Level 2 charger: $450 to $750
Installation labor and materials: $700 to $1,400
Permit and inspection fees: $75 to $175
Subtotal before incentives: $1,225 to $2,325
After the $250 Charge Up rebate and a 30 % federal tax credit, many customers pay under $1,000 out of pocket.
Future-Proofing With Solar
Pairing a charger with rooftop panels lets you fill the battery with daytime solar surplus, trimming grid draws even further. SolarMe programs its inverters to track solar output and delay charging until panels are feeding the house.
Next Steps
Call or book online, choose your charger brand, and pick an installation date. SolarMe pulls the permit, completes the electrical work in one visit, and activates all app features before leaving your driveway.
