Bright Power Electric Expands Services for EV Chargers and Panel Upgrades

Bright Power Electric, a licensed electrical contractor based in San Diego, has expanded its services to simplify the process of installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers and upgrading electrical panels for homeowners across San Diego County. The company now offers a comprehensive package that covers everything from the initial assessment to the final inspection, taking the hassle out of the process for homeowners.

The expansion of services is aimed at addressing the growing demand for electric vehicles and the need to upgrade outdated electrical systems in many homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. Many of these homes, particularly in neighborhoods like Clairemont, Mira Mesa, Serra Mesa, La Mesa, and El Cajon, still run on the original 100-amp electrical panel, which was never designed to handle the load of modern appliances and the additional power required by EV chargers.

The 100-amp panel, originally sized for a family with a fridge, a washer and dryer, a few window units, and a gas stove, is quickly overwhelmed by the demands of a Level 2 EV charger pulling 40 or 48 amps for hours every night. Adding a heat pump in place of a gas furnace, swapping a gas range for an induction cooktop, and installing solar panels with a battery in the garage can further strain the existing panel, leaving homeowners with a system that is out of room fast.

Replacing a main electrical panel is not a one-visit job. It requires a load calculation, a permit from the City of San Diego or the county, an inspection, and a scheduled service disconnect and reconnect with SDG&E, as the utility has to cut power at the meter before the electrician can work on the main service. If the home needs a larger service from the street, SDG&E also has to review and approve that work, which can take several weeks on its own.

Bright Power Electric's expanded service is designed to streamline this process. The process starts with an in-home assessment, where a Bright Power electrician evaluates the existing panel, the condition of the wiring, the meter, and the household's current and future needs. The homeowner receives a written price for the full scope of work before any work begins. Once the homeowner approves, Bright Power pulls the necessary permits, files any paperwork SDG&E needs, and schedules the service disconnect. On install day, the crew replaces the panel, runs the circuit for the charger, mounts and connects the charger, and labels the new panel. The company then handles the inspection and stays on the job until it passes.

The expanded service covers a wide range of brands, including Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint, Emporia, and Grizzl-E, and will install a charger the homeowner has already purchased. Bright Power Electric recommends homeowners call for an assessment if any of the following apply: the home has a 100-amp panel or smaller and the owner plans to add an EV charger, heat pump, induction range, hot tub, or battery backup; breakers trip often when large appliances run at the same time; the panel is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel, which were common in Southern California homes built in the 1960s and 1970s and have a long history of breakers that fail to trip; the panel shows rust, scorch marks, a burning smell, or a warm cover; lights dim or flicker when the AC or another large appliance kicks on; or the home is being sold or bought and the inspection report flagged the panel.

Bright Power Electric's services are available throughout San Diego County, including Clairemont, Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Serra Mesa, Point Loma, North Park, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Chula Vista, National City, Poway, and Escondido. The company continues to handle residential and light commercial work, including lighting installs, recessed lighting, whole home and partial rewiring, outlet and breaker repairs, ceiling fans, troubleshooting, and emergency electrical calls.