Get the Right Answer Before You Buy
Buyers spending $1,000β$10,000 on EV chargers, solar, and battery backup deserve real answers β not spec sheets.
EV Charger Questions
Possibly β and this is the question most buyers skip entirely. A Level 2 home charger requires a dedicated 240V circuit drawing 30β50 amps. Under NEC Article 625, EV chargers are classified as continuous loads, which means the circuit must be sized to 125% of the charger's rated amperage.
Before ordering, have your electrician perform a panel load calculation. Our Build Your System guide walks through this as Step 1.
β Get installation guidance32A (7.7kW): ~25β30 miles/hour. Fine for overnight charging under 60β70 miles/day.
40A (9.6kW): Most common residential choice. Charges most EVs full in 6β8 hours overnight.
48A (11.5kW): Fastest Level 2. Best for large-battery vehicles or two-EV households.
Yes, in most jurisdictions. A Level 2 charger involves new 240V electrical work, triggering permit requirements under most local building codes.
Level 1 (120V): ~5 miles/hour. No install required but too slow for most daily drivers.
Level 2 (240V): What we sell. 20β35+ miles/hour. Requires a dedicated circuit and professional installation.
DC Fast Charging: Commercial-grade. Requires three-phase power and utility approval β not practical for residential.
Yes. A grid-tied solar system earns net metering credits you use to charge at night. For direct solar-to-EV charging, you need a smart charger with EMS integration or a hybrid inverter + battery system.
β Build your systemThe most common mistake: planning for 4 ports instead of 40. Infrastructure decisions made today determine what it costs to scale later.
A straightforward installation typically takes 2β4 hours. Add time for long wiring runs, panel upgrades, permit processing (1β5 business days), or trench runs for outdoor installations.
Solar & Generator Questions
Technically yes β but most refrigerators require 1,200β2,400 surge watts when the compressor starts. A generator must handle that surge, not just the running load.
Rated kWh is total capacity. Usable kWh is what you can actually draw. Depth of Discharge (80β90%) and inverter efficiency loss (5β15%) reduce the headline number. Always ask for usable kWh at rated DoD.
Not with a standard grid-tied system. Grid-tied inverters shut down when the grid fails β by regulation. Your panels generate but the inverter disconnects.
Portable (1β5kWh): Best for short outages and select appliances. Not for central AC, electric dryers, or hardwired 240V loads.
Home battery system (5β40+ kWh): Whole-home or critical-circuit coverage for 24β72+ hours. Pairs with inverter + ATS for seamless grid-failure response.
β Size your systemA 2kWh generator with 400W solar input recharges in roughly 1β1.5 days under 4β5 peak sun hours. In New England: 3.5β4.5 hours summer / 2β3 hours winter. Plan for solar as a supplement, not the only input.
Battery Backup Questions
Start with a load calculation, not a product page. List critical loads, estimate daily kWh, define your target backup duration, then size battery + inverter to match.
βWhole home backupβ means the battery can be connected to every circuit. How long it lasts depends entirely on your load profile.
A standard inverter converts solar DC to AC and shuts off when the grid fails. No battery capability.
A hybrid inverter manages battery charge/discharge and operates in island mode during outages. Verify your current inverter is hybrid-capable before purchasing batteries.
Quality LiFePO4 systems are rated for 3,000β6,000+ cycles, typically 10β15+ years before capacity degrades to 80%. Manufacturer warranties on products we carry typically cover 10 years on battery capacity.
Yes. Battery systems involve high-voltage DC wiring, inverter interconnection, and automatic transfer switches. DIY installation voids warranties, violates utility agreements, and fails permit inspection.
β Find a licensed installerOrdering & Shipping Questions
All orders ship free to the contiguous US. Smaller items ship via standard carrier. Larger items (battery racks, inverters, solar panels) ship via LTL freight with a scheduled delivery appointment.
Unused, uninstalled products in original packaging within 30 days. Installed products cannot be returned. Email support@chargeprodirect.com with your order number.
Yes. Financing is available at checkout for qualified buyers. For large commercial orders, email support@chargeprodirect.com.
Start with the Build Your System guide β 5 steps to the right configuration for your panel, load profile, and goals. Or email support@chargeprodirect.com for a straight answer.
Still have a question?
Straight answers β not a push to buy something wrong. Reach out before you order.