How It Works

Mirasol Solar illustration of an electric vehicle charging at a station with a person standing beside it, promoting clean energy solutions

Electric vehicles are the wave of the future. When you drive an EV, you’ll want the convenience and cost savings of charging at home. Although public chargers (Level 3) are faster than typical home chargers, the process of finding one, planning the timing, and waiting for your car to charge is not ideal. Mirasol Solar can install a Level 2 charger in less than 3 days, giving you the ultimate convenience of charging on your schedule.

Understanding Charging

Level 1 EV charger with 15-hour recharge time and mobile app integration for monitoring | Mirasol Solar

Level 1 (trickle) charging typically takes 15 hours to fully charge an EV. That means that owners may need to charge during peak usage times or feel compelled to ‘top off’ using public charging stations to avoid range anxiety—expensive alternatives! But what if you could get a Level 2 charger installed at no charge when we install solar for your home?

Level 1 Chargers

These typically come with your car and are able to be used with your home electric outlets.

Pros

  • Easily adaptable, use with a standard 110 outlet.
  • Easy to transport to allow remote charging.

Cons

  • Typical charging time for a full charge is 15 hours.
  • Most basic charging system with no interface.
  • No ability to select a charge cycle to avoid top peak usage.

Power Up Your Home Charging

Level 2 EV charger with 3-4 hour recharge time and mobile app integration for monitoring | Mirasol SolarLevel 2 Chargers

The charging time is reduced by more than 60% and allows owners to charge at the speed of a public charger conveniently at their own home.

Pros

  • Quality chargers will fully charge an EV in 3 to 4 hours.
  • Plug-in models can share an outlet with a range or dryer.
  • Most have mobile apps for monitoring or configuring charging.
  • Ownership yields a lower cost of charging versus a public charging station.
  • Peace of mind allows EV owners to maintain full capacity for the longest range.

 Cons 

  • Increased energy demand on your home.
  • Requires a 240V electrical outlet or hardwired, plus a dedicated, dual-pole breaker.
  • Expense for installation: A licensed electrician is needed to install a new outlet or hardwiring.
  • If demand charges are in place, the higher current draw may increase energy costs.

Power Up Your Home Charging

Level 3 EV charger with 40-minute recharge time and mobile app integration for monitoring | Mirasol SolarLevel 3 Chargers

The cream of the crop! These are the leading edge of the charging technology.

Pros

  • The fastest charge times available. Approximately 80% of the range was achieved in 40 minutes.
  • In the future: Bi-directional energy flow—allows direct DC connection between the EV battery and the home in case of power outage. Your EV helps keep your home powered!
  • Plug-in models can share an outlet with a range or dryer.

 Cons 

  • Typically only available commercially.
  • Extremely expensive.
  • Very new technology—early adopter status for buyers.
  • Currently, AJH (City regulation) is unfamiliar—it delays installers’ plan approvals. (This will improve as technology matures.)