How much does it cost to install a Tesla Wall Connector?

Standard installation (if your panel has capacity): $900-$2,800
This does not include the Tesla Wall Connector hardware ($595), professional installation, dedicated 60-amp circuit, wiring (up to 80 feet), conduit, mounting, WiFi setup, permit fees, and inspection coordination.

Installation with panel upgrade: $2,800-$4,500
This includes everything above PLUS upgrading your electrical panel from 100-amp to 200-amp service, which most older homes need to support EV charging.

How long does EV charger installation take?

Timeline breakdown:

• Day 0: Submit photos via our quote form
• Day 1: Receive detailed quote (usually same business day)
• Days 2-4: Permit application and approval (2-3 business days in Fairfax County)
• Days 7-10: Installation scheduled (actual work takes 4-6 hours)
• Days 8-12: County inspection (we coordinate this)
• Day 12: Start charging at home!

Total timeline from quote request to charging: 7-12 days

Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel to install an EV charger?

It depends on your current panel and electrical load. Here’s how to tell:

You probably DON’T need an upgrade if:

• Your panel is 200 amps or larger
• You have available breaker spaces
• Your home is all-electric (no gas furnace/water heater taking electrical load)

You probably DO need an upgrade if:

• Your panel is 100 amps or smaller
• Your home was built before 1990
• Your panel is already full or near capacity
• You have Federal Pacific (FPE) or Zinsco panels (these should be replaced immediately for safety)

We’ll tell you definitively: When you submit photos of your electrical panel, we’ll perform a load calculation and let you know if an upgrade is needed.

Can you install chargers for non-Tesla EVs?

Absolutely! While we’re Tesla-certified and the Tesla Wall Connector is our most popular installation, we install ALL major EV charger brands including ChargePoint, JuiceBox, Grizzl-E, ClipperCreek, and more. We also install NEMA 14-50 outlets for portable charging cables. The installation process is virtually identical regardless of the charger brand.

Where should I install my EV charger?

The best location depends on your home’s layout and parking situation. Common options:

• Garage wall: Most popular option. Protected from weather, close to panel.
• Garage support post: Good if you park further from the wall.
• Exterior wall: Common for homes without garages or carports.
• Driveway post: For detached garages or parking pads.

Important considerations: Cable length (Tesla cables are 24 feet), charging port location on your vehicle, proximity to electrical panel (affects cost), and HOA requirements if applicable.

What photos do I need to submit for a quote?

To provide an accurate quote, we need 3-5 photos:

1. Electrical panel (door open): Close-up showing all breakers and labels clearly
2. Panel label/main breaker: Close-up showing the amperage (100A, 200A, etc.)
3. Desired charger location: Where you want the charger mounted
4. Path from panel to charger: Show the route for wiring
5. Any obstacles: Finished walls, tight spaces, etc. (if applicable)

Pro tips: Use your phone’s flash in dark areas, make sure breaker labels are readable, and take photos from multiple angles if lighting is poor.

How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?

100-amp to 200-amp upgrade: $2,800-$4,500

This includes:

• New 200-amp main breaker panel
• Transfer all existing circuits
• Update grounding and bonding to current code
• Coordination with utility company (Dominion Energy)
• All permits and permit fees
• County electrical inspection coordination
• Full system testing
• 1-year workmanship warranty

Bundled with EV charger installation: We offer discounted pricing when you bundle a panel upgrade with EV charger installation ($2,800-$4,500 total for both).

How long will my power be off during a panel upgrade?

Total outage time: 4-6 hours

The actual work takes 6-8 hours, but your power only needs to be completely off for the final 4-6 hours when we’re connecting the new panel. We’ll schedule the work at a time that’s convenient for you and will coordinate with the utility company to restore power as quickly as possible. We recommend planning for the day (work from home if possible, or plan to be out), and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

What is a Federal Pacific (FPE) or Zinsco panel, and why should it be replaced?

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco panels were commonly installed in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. These panels are now considered fire hazards.

The problem: Breakers in these panels often fail to trip when they should, allowing dangerous electrical overloads. This has resulted in thousands of fires across the United States.

What to do: If you have one of these panels, we strongly recommend immediate replacement. Many insurance companies now refuse to insure homes with FPE or Zinsco panels, and they can fail home inspections.

How to identify: Look for the brand name on your panel door or inside. FPE panels say “Federal Pacific” or “FPE” and have distinctive red or black Stab-Lok breakers. Zinsco panels are labeled “Zinsco” or “Magnetrip.”

Do I need to coordinate with my utility company for a panel upgrade?

No—we handle this for you. Panel upgrades require coordination with Dominion Energy (or your utility provider), but we take care of all communication, scheduling, and coordination. You don’t need to make any calls or fill out any forms. We’ll notify the utility company, schedule the disconnect/reconnect, and ensure everything is properly coordinated.

How quickly will I receive my quote?

Same business day in most cases. If you submit your quote request with photos before 3pm on a weekday, you’ll typically receive a detailed quote within 2-4 hours. Requests submitted after hours or on weekends are responded to the next business day. We pride ourselves on fast, responsive service.

Is the quote really free with no obligation?

Yes, 100% free with zero obligation. We provide detailed, itemized quotes at no cost. There’s no pressure to accept—we want you to make the decision that’s right for you. Many customers get quotes from multiple electricians, and we encourage you to compare our pricing, professionalism, and approach.

Are there any hidden fees?

No hidden fees. Ever. The price we quote is the price you pay. Our quotes include:

• All labor and materials
• Permit fees
• Inspection coordination
• Testing and commissioning
• Clean-up and debris removal

The only time the price changes is if the scope of work changes (for example, if we discover something unexpected during installation and you approve additional work). But we always discuss any changes with you before proceeding.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, check, and all major credit/debit cards. Payment is due upon completion for most projects. For larger projects over $3,000, we require a 25% deposit upfront with the balance due upon completion. We also offer financing options through our lending partners with 0% interest for 12 months (with approved credit).

Do you offer discounts or special pricing?

We offer bundled pricing when you combine services (like a panel upgrade + EV charger installation for $$2,800-$4,500 instead of purchasing separately). We also occasionally run seasonal promotions— ask when you request your quote. For senior citizens, military veterans, and first responders, we’re happy to discuss special consideration on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need a permit for EV charger installation?

Yes. All EV charger installations and electrical panel upgrades in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC require electrical permits. This is required by local building codes and ensures your installation is safe and code-compliant. The good news: we handle all permit applications, fees, and inspection coordination for you. You don’t need to do anything.

How long does permit approval take?

Depends on the jurisdiction:

• Fairfax County: 2-3 business days
• Arlington County: 2-4 business days
• Loudoun County: 3-5 business days
• Montgomery County, MD: 3-7 business days
• Prince George’s County, MD: 4-7 business days

We factor this into our timeline when scheduling your installation.

What happens during the inspection?

After we complete your installation, a county electrical inspector comes to verify that the work meets all electrical code requirements. They check:

• Proper wire sizing and installation
• Correct breaker sizing
• Proper grounding and bonding
• Code-compliant mounting and installation
• Overall safety and workmanship

You don’t need to be present—we coordinate with the inspector and handle everything. We maintain a 100% first-time pass rate because we do it right the first time.

Are permit fees included in your quote?

Yes, always. All permit fees are included in our quoted price. You never pay separately for permits. Typical permit fees range from $150-$275 depending on the jurisdiction and scope of work, but you’ll see this itemized in your quote so you know exactly what you’re paying.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We hold Virginia Master Electrician License #2705130317 and are fully licensed to work throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. We’re also Tesla-certified installers, which requires additional specialized training and certification.

Do you offer emergency electrical service?

Yes, 24/7. We provide emergency electrical service for sparking outlets, power outages, burning smells, exposed wiring, and other urgent electrical issues. Call 571-354-0895 anytime for emergency service. Being based in Reston means we can typically reach most Northern Virginia locations within 10-30 minutes.

What areas do you serve?

We serve a 50-mile radius from Reston, VA, covering:

• Virginia: All of Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Prince William County, and City of Alexandria
• Maryland: Montgomery County and Prince George’s County
• Washington DC: All quadrants

See our complete list of 50+ cities →

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. All our work comes with a 1-year workmanship warranty. This covers any issues related to our installation work (not manufacturer defects in equipment, which are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty). Additionally, the Tesla Wall Connector comes with a 4-year manufacturer warranty.

I live in an HOA. Can you help with the approval process?

Yes. Many HOAs require architectural review for EV charger installations, especially for exterior-mounted chargers. We can provide you with technical specifications, installation plans, and photos to submit to your HOA. While we can’t guarantee HOA approval (that’s up to your HOA board), we’ll provide everything you need to make a strong application. We’ve worked with dozens of HOAs throughout Northern Virginia and can share guidance based on that experience.

What makes Buri Electric different from other electricians?

Several things:

• Tesla Certified: One of the few officially approved Tesla installers in the DC Metro area
• Local & Responsive: Based in Reston since 2009, not a national chain
• Transparent Pricing: Detailed, itemized quotes with no hidden fees
• Quality Focus: 100% first-time inspection pass rate
• Full Service: We handle permits, inspections, and all coordination
• Proven Track Record: 5.0-star Google rating, 200+ EV chargers installed