How main switchboard upgrades can maximise your home’s solar power performance for your EV charger

Installing solar panels and an electric vehicle (EV) charger can significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint and energy costs. To fully leverage these technologies, your home’s electrical infrastructure needs to be up to the task. A crucial component in this setup is your main switchboard, which plays a vital role in distributing electricity safely and efficiently throughout your home.

In this article, we’ll explore why switchboard upgrades are crucial when you install solar panels or EV chargers. You’ll learn about the benefits of modern switchboards, how they help you comply with Australian standards, and how they protect your home and family from electrical hazards. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions for your property’s electrical system.

For personalised advice and expert service, contact Valour Services today for a free consultation and quote. Our licensed electricians will guide you through the switchboard upgrade process, ensuring your home or business is ready for the future of energy.

The Role of Your Main Switchboard

Your home’s main switchboard acts as the central hub for electrical distribution, controlling the flow of power throughout your property. When you install solar panels and an EV charger, the switchboard’s role becomes even more crucial. It must manage incoming solar power, direct excess energy to the grid or battery storage, and efficiently distribute electricity to your EV charger and other household appliances.

Can your current switchboard handle an EV charger installation?

Outdated electrical switchboards pose significant risks and limitations for modern households, especially when it comes to accommodating EV chargers and solar inverters. These older systems often lack the capacity and safety features required to handle the increased electrical demands of high powered devices.

Upgrading to a modern distribution board is crucial for several reasons:

• Increased capacity to handle high-power devices like EV chargers
• Better integration with solar inverters for efficient energy management
• Enhanced safety features, including RCBOs and surge diverters
• Compliance with electrical Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018
• Improved energy efficiency, control and monitoring capabilities
• Future-proofing for emerging technologies and increasing power needs

A modern switchboard ensures your home can safely and efficiently manage the power requirements of EVs and solar systems while providing room for future expansions. It also offers better protection against short circuits, reducing the risk of fires and electrocution. Investing in a switchboard upgrade is essential for homeowners looking to adopt sustainable technologies and ensure their electrical system is ready for the future.

Safety and compliance essentials

Modern switchboards with RCBOs provide precise protection for different circuits, preventing electrical hazards and reducing fire risks. Upgrading outdated switchboards enhances safety and ensures compliance with current regulations.

Compliance with Australian Electrical Standards AS/NZS 3000:2018 is mandatory for all installations. These standards ensure safety, functionality, and risk minimisation. Adhering to them is crucial for any electrical upgrade, requiring a solid understanding of design, installation, and maintenance.

Additionally, keeping switchboards up to date ensures safety, reliability, and readiness for future advancements like solar power integration.

Picking the right switchboard for your EV charger

Single-phase and three-phase switchboards power your EV charger. Most Australian homes have single-phase power, allowing chargers up to 7.4kW, which suffices for overnight charging. In contrast, three-phase power enables faster charging speeds of up to 22kW, making it ideal for homes with multiple EVs or higher demands.

When installing an EV charger, the switchboard’s capacity must be assessed; dedicated EV chargers typically require a 32 amp circuit. Proper cable sizing and safety devices like RCBOs are essential for a safe charging experience. Homeowners should consult licensed electricians to determine the best solution for their needs.

To learn more about the benefits of a 3 phase power for EV chargers, read our article “Why you need to make sure you have 3 phase power for EV Charger Installation“

What are the benefits of solar-integrated EV charging for your home?

Solar-integrated EV charging offers numerous benefits for homeowners. By combining solar power with electric vehicle charging, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs. This integration allows you to charge your EV using clean, renewable energy generated by your own solar panels, reducing reliance on grid electricity and fossil fuels.

Smart solar EV chargers can monitor your solar production and automatically divert excess energy to your vehicle, maximising the use of your solar system. This optimises energy consumption and can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills.

Is your property ready for solar? Here’s why a professional inspection matters

Engaging a solar-electrical professional to inspect your property is crucial in determining if upgrades are needed for your solar power setup. An electrician will examine the meter box and circuits to assess if your system can safely handle the additional load and evaluate the most suitable solar inverter setup.

This inspection provides a clear understanding of your building’s electrical capacity to integrate solar power. If upgrades are necessary, the electrician will provide detailed information on specific requirements.

While property owners might spot some issues, professional expertise is irreplaceable, especially for commercial buildings with higher demands. An experienced electrician will ensure your system is compliant, safe, and capable of handling increased energy loads from solar installations.

Cost Considerations

The cost of a main switchboard upgrade can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the features required. While it represents an additional investment, it’s important to view this upgrade as part of your overall solar and EV charging system. A well-designed switchboard can enhance the efficiency and longevity of your entire electrical setup, potentially leading to long-term savings.

Future-Proofing Your Home

Investing in a main switch board upgrade is not just about meeting your current needs; it’s about preparing your home for the future of energy management. As technology continues to evolve, having a modern, adaptable switchboard will allow you to easily integrate new innovations in solar power, energy storage and EV charging.

Valour’s switchboard upgrade bundles

The cost of upgrading an electrical switchboard can vary based on several factors, such as the size and features of the new switchboard, the complexity of the installation, and the need for additional work like rewiring. Typically, prices for a switchboard upgrade can range from $1200 for a basic upgrade to $4500 for a comprehensive overhaul.

Switchboard upgrades can be categorised into three main types:

1. Basic Fuse Box Upgrade

Expect to invest between $1200 and $2000 for a straightforward upgrade, enhancing your system’s safety and capacity.

2. Comprehensive Overhaul

For extensive upgrades, including mains replacement, asbestos removal or installing a completely new switchboard, costs range from $2500 to $4500.

3. 3-Phase Switchboard Upgrade

Catering to homes with higher electricity demands, upgrading to a 3-phase system can cost between $3000 and $4500.

Additional Components: Incorporating surge diverters, Arc Fault Detection Devices(AFDDs) and custom made metal switchboards will adjust the overall cost.

Transparent Pricing: Solid Service, No Surprises

We believe that transparency is essential in building lasting relationships with our clients. Our upfront pricing ensures that the quoted price covers the full scope of work with no hidden costs. Additionally, we are adaptable to any requests or alterations you may have during the course of your project.

To see how our upfront pricing policy aligns with your specific project, contact us for a free consultation and detailed quote. We aim to provide you with peace of mind and exceptional value.

Why Choose Valour Services?

When it comes to delivering your electrical project, we want you to have the best experience possible. We will:

• Take the time to understand your specific requirements
• Tailor a solution for you
• Deliver quality workmanship
• Provide exceptional value
• Be available for questions, after service and warranty

Choose Valour Services, your trusted partner for exceptional service.