EV Panel Upgrade Payback Estimator

Determine how quickly a 200-amp or service-panel upgrade pays back by pairing installation costs with off-peak charging arbitrage, rebates, and avoided demand charges.

Total contractor bid for the service upgrade and permitting.
Energy moved from on-peak to off-peak charging each month after the upgrade.
On-peak minus off-peak energy price spread.
Upfront incentive paid by the utility or municipality.
Default 0. Enter federal or state tax credit as a percentage of upgrade cost.
Default 0. Include avoided demand charges or maintenance savings tied to the upgrade.

Verify local code requirements and incentive eligibility with your electrician and utility before committing to an upgrade.

Examples

  • Upgrade $4,800, 220 kWh shifted, $0.14 spread, $800 rebate ⇒ Net cost $4,000.00, monthly savings $30.80, simple payback 10.82 years.
  • Upgrade $6,200, 260 kWh shifted, $0.12 spread, $0 rebate, 30% tax credit, $350 demand savings ⇒ Net cost $4,340.00 and payback 5.99 years.

FAQ

Does this include financing interest?

No. Add financed interest as part of the upgrade cost or adjust annual savings downward to reflect loan payments if you spread costs over time.

How should I handle multiple EVs?

Sum the off-peak kWh shifted for all vehicles and update the rate spread if tiered pricing or demand charges change once both vehicles charge overnight.

Can I include solar or battery integration benefits?

Yes. Convert additional energy arbitrage or backup value into annual dollars and add them to the optional demand charge savings input.

What if rebates are paid after installation?

Leave the rebate input at zero until funds are received, then rerun the estimator to see how the payback shortens once the incentive posts.

Additional Information

  • Monthly savings are based on shifted energy multiplied by the on-peak versus off-peak price spread.
  • Tax credits reduce net cost as a percentage of the installation price before rebates.
  • Optional demand charge savings capture utility programs that lower peak demand fees after panel upgrades.
  • Payback is a simple calculation that does not discount future cash flows—use it to benchmark quick comparisons between installers.

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