Add an EV charger or other large load to your California home — without an electrical panel upgrade
If your contractor said you need to upgrade your electrical panel before installing a Level 2 charger or other large load — ask about load management first. It’s faster, cheaper, and California utilities approve it.
Why your electrical panel upgrade quote might be wrong
A California electrical panel upgrade is expensive — typically thousands of dollars — and slow because of utility queue times for service work, often 3–9 months. In most homes it isn’t actually needed — your existing service has capacity, you just need a way to share it intelligently between your existing loads and the new one.
The 2023 National Electrical Code (Article 750) explicitly allows certified Energy Management Systems (EMS) to manage household load so you stay under the service rating — without a service upgrade. California utilities and CCAs approve a range of EMS devices for installation; specific eligibility for any rebate depends on the utility’s current list of approved equipment.
Stepwise Tap and ConnectDER EV MSA
We carry two products that solve this problem in different ways. Pick the one that fits your home.
ConnectDER EV MSA — for EV charging on a 100A or 125A breaker panel
If your home has a 100A or 125A main breaker and you want a Level 2 EV charger (and only an EV charger), this is usually the simplest, fastest path. The MSA installs through your meter socket — no work in your main breaker panel.
- Panel size: 100A or 125A only
- Loads: EV chargers only
- Home: single-family
- Install: ~15 minutes after the utility schedules a meter pull
- Approved: PG&E, SCE, SDG&E
- Pricing: contact us for a personalized quote — far less than an electrical panel upgrade
See full ConnectDER EV MSA details →
Stepwise Tap — for any large load on an electrical panel up to 200A
If you have a larger electrical panel (up to 200A), want to add a non-EV resistive load (an electric water heater, range, or dryer), or live in a condo or apartment, Stepwise is the more flexible option. It uses sensors at your main breaker panel to dynamically manage one compatible load — or interrupt any other 240V resistive load — against your overall household demand.
- Panel size: up to 200A
- Loads: one resistive load per Tap — your choice of an EV charger, electric water heater, electric range, or dryer
- Home: single-family + some multifamily
- Install: under 30 minutes, no utility coordination
- Pricing: contact us for a personalized quote — far less than an electrical panel upgrade
See full Stepwise Tap details →
Which one fits my home?
| Your situation | Recommended product |
|---|---|
| 100A or 125A breaker panel + just an EV charger | ConnectDER EV MSA |
| Larger breaker panel (150A–200A) | Stepwise Tap |
| Adding a non-EV resistive load (electric water heater, range, or dryer) | Stepwise Tap (MSA only handles EV chargers) |
| Apartment, condo, or other multifamily | Stepwise Tap (MSA is single-family only) |
| Need fastest possible install timeline | Either — Stepwise has no utility coordination step |
Not sure which fits? Text or talk to a specialist →
Frequently asked questions
Will my electrical contractor know about these products?
Many California electricians are familiar with both, but some still default to quoting an electrical panel upgrade because it’s what they’ve always done. Print this page or send it to your contractor — most installers will quickly see it as a faster, more profitable job than the upgrade.
Will my California utility approve the install?
ConnectDER EV MSA is approved for installation in PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E territory. Stepwise Tap installs behind your main breaker panel and does not require utility approval. For both products, your contractor pulls a standard electrical permit through your local building department.
How fast can I have my EV charger installed?
With Stepwise: same day or within the week. With ConnectDER EV MSA: typically 1–2 weeks total, mostly waiting on the utility to schedule a meter pull. Compare that to 3–9 months for an electrical panel upgrade.
Will my EV charger pause when I run other appliances?
Both products manage your charger so total household demand never exceeds your service rating. In a typical home this happens occasionally and only briefly — your charger automatically resumes within seconds. Most users never notice.
Are California rebates available?
Yes — California has an active mix of utility, CCA, state, and federal rebates for EV chargers and electrification work. Eligibility for any specific rebate depends on the program’s current qualified-equipment list and your project. The federal 30C tax credit (30% of EV charger installation, up to $1,000) applies through June 30, 2026 in eligible census tracts. See the full California rebate guide → for what’s available in your area, then call (858) 367-3617 to talk through what your install can claim.
What does it cost?
Hardware costs vary by configuration, and your installer’s total quote depends on local labor and project scope. Both products are dramatically less than a typical California electrical panel upgrade. Text or call (858) 367-3617 or use our contact form for a personalized quote.
Can I install this myself?
No — both products require a licensed electrician and a permit. We work directly with your contractor or can recommend installers in your area.
What if I want to add solar or a battery later?
Both products are compatible with future solar or battery additions. They manage utility-side service capacity, which is independent from solar/battery interconnection planning.