Picking the right EV installer — five things that matter.
Most Marin electricians can install an EV charger; not all do it well. The differences show up in load calc rigor, code knowledge, rebate processing, and warranty support. Five things to verify before hiring.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Five things to verify in an EV charger installer: (1) C-10 electrical contractor license + insurance, (2) EV-specific install volume (50+ installs/year minimum), (3) NEC 220.83 load calc capability, (4) AHJ permit and inspection track record, (5) rebate processing experience. Cheapest quote isn't always the best value — install quality affects 8-12 years of charger life.
01Five things to verify.
C-10 electrical contractor license + insurance
California requires C-10 license for permanent electrical work. CSLB website (cslb.ca.gov) verifies license status, insurance, and any complaints. Don't skip this — handyman-level work on EV circuits causes real safety problems.
EV-specific install volume
Look for installers doing 50+ EV installs per year minimum. EV-specific code (NEC 625 article) has details that generalist electricians miss — proper load calc, GFCI requirements, conductor sizing for continuous loads. Volume = competence on EV-specific issues.
Load calc capability
Ask: 'Do you run a NEC 220.83 load calc on every install?' Right answer: yes, included in quote. Wrong answer: 'I'll check the panel amperage,' or 'usually it's fine.' Load calc is required by code and protects you from undersized installations.
Permit and inspection track record
Ask about first-time inspection pass rate. Quality installers pass first inspection 90%+. Frequent re-inspections indicate sloppy install practices, not just unlucky inspectors.
Rebate processing experience
Current PG&E, MCE, and BAAQMD rebate programs require specific application paperwork. Installers who do this regularly recover meaningfully more rebate value for customers than those who don't. Ask which rebates they've successfully processed in the past 6 months.
02Red flags during the quote.
Several quote-stage signals suggest the installer isn't EV-specialty. 'I don't need to look at your panel' (yes they do — load calc requires it). 'Permits are optional in California' (no, they're required for permanent installs). 'I can do this without a permit, cheaper' (you don't want this — see permit requirements guide). 'I'll just put it on a 50A breaker' (without explaining why or running load calc — sloppy).
Other warning signs: cash-only or very large deposit requirements (legitimate licensed contractors don't operate this way), no written quote (verbal agreements end badly), no business address (CSLB requires registered business address), or aggressive pressure to sign immediately. Good EV installers will walk you through the work, answer questions, and respect your timeline for decision.
03What good installers do during the quote.
A good quote visit takes 30-45 minutes and includes: walkthrough of install location with you to confirm placement, panel inspection for capacity and condition, NEC 220.83 load calc done on-site or within 24 hours, written quote with itemized line items (charger, install labor, permit, any rebates), and answers to your questions about the install process. You should feel like you understand what you're paying for and why.
We do all of this — and we treat every quote as an opportunity to confirm the install is right before you commit. About 5-10% of our quotes result in scope changes from the initial inquiry: customer wanted 48A but panel only supports 40A, or panel needs sub-panel before EV install, or load management is the better answer than panel upgrade. Better to find these things at quote stage than mid-install.
Common questions.
How do I verify a contractor's C-10 license?
Visit cslb.ca.gov and search by license number, business name, or contractor name. The CSLB site shows current license status (active, expired, suspended), insurance coverage (workers comp and general liability required), bond status (required for contractors), and any complaints or disciplinary history. Always verify before hiring — takes 30 seconds. Our license is C-10 #989290 (Alex Towery, founder).
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes, generally — 2-3 quotes from qualified installers gives you reference points on price and scope. Be cautious of quotes that are dramatically cheaper than others — usually indicates skipped scope (no permit, undersized conductors, missing load calc) rather than genuine value. The right comparison is total scope vs total price, not just bottom-line dollars.
What questions should I ask during the quote visit?
Five good questions: (1) 'Did you run an NEC 220.83 load calc?' (2) 'What amperage and conductor size are you proposing, and why?' (3) 'What rebates can I apply for, and will you handle the paperwork?' (4) 'What's your first-time inspection pass rate?' (5) 'What's your warranty on the install workmanship?' The answers tell you a lot about the contractor's EV-specific competence.
What warranty should I expect on the install?
Industry standard: 1-2 year warranty on install workmanship (we offer 2 years). Charger hardware warranty comes from the manufacturer separately (typically 3 years for Tesla, Wallbox, ChargePoint, Emporia). Some installers offer extended workmanship warranties for an additional fee — usually not necessary if the original install was done well. Verify warranty terms in writing in the quote, not just verbally.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.