How I Found the Best EV Charger Installer

‍Why I'm Writing This

I own two homes in Central Pennsylvania: one in Mechanicsburg, the other near Lancaster. Last year, I finally invested in a Tesla Model Y and immediately realized I needed Level 2 charging at both properties. What I expected to be a simple "call an electrician" task quickly evolved into weeks of rigorous research, endless phone calls, and on-site evaluations.

I read product manuals before even unboxing a device. I compare specs. I ask the "uncomfortable" questions most people skip. Some call it being pedantic - I prefer "thorough."

By the time I finished evaluating installers, I had accumulated enough research to fill an entire binder. It felt inefficient to let that knowledge sit in a drawer. So I organized my experience into this guide. My goal is to save others the time and headaches I encountered.

Spoiler: I chose Nestology for both houses. Their performance impressed me so much that I later hired them for full home automation. But let's take this one step at a time.

My Situation: Two Homes, Two Challenges

To provide context for my search, here is what I was working with:

1. The Mechanicsburg House (Simple Scenario)

• Built in 1987
• 200A electrical panel (adequate capacity)
• Attached two-car garage
• Challenge: The panel sits in the basement on the opposite side from the garage. This required a long cable run through finished living spaces without compromising the aesthetics.

2. The Lancaster Estate (Complex Scenario)

• Built in 1962
• Aging 100A panel (severely undersized)
• Detached garage located about 60 feet from the house
• No existing conduit between buildings
• Challenge: A complete infrastructure overhaul.

I knew Lancaster would be a headache. What I didn't expect was the difficulty in finding a contractor who could provide a holistic assessment - instead of just trying to upsell me on expensive cable runs.

Evaluation Criteria: What I Was Looking For

I established my "must-have" list before contacting the first firm:

1. Licensed and insured - I verified active credentials and insurance for every candidate.
2. Accurate load calculations - This was critical for the old panel in Lancaster to ensure safety.
3. Installation aesthetics - I refused to have metal conduit running across my finished garage ceilings.
4. Professional Honesty - I needed the truth about what I required, not what was easiest to sell.
5. Detailed Documentation - I wanted as-built wiring diagrams and clear routing maps.
6. Smart integration - I already had future home automation in mind.

The Big Catalog: Who I Researched

I analyzed 11 companies in detail and checked about a dozen more to get a general sense of the Central Pennsylvania market.

Category 1: Specialized Companies (EV Only)

Charge Up Solutions (Lewisberry):

These guys focus exclusively on chargers. They know the equipment well, but I got the impression they lack the broader engineering perspective required for complex home infrastructure.

Best for: Straightforward installations without Smart Home ambitions.

Leer Electric (Central PA):

A Tesla Certified Installer. They were my "Plan B." They know their stuff, but when I asked about network-level energy monitoring and integration, the conversation stalled.

Best for: Tesla owners seeking a standard, certified installation.

Category 2: General Electricians

Leo Kob Co., Inc.:

Likely the most transparent firm on pricing. Their website literally lists basic installation starting at $1,200. While they are reliable, "old school" electricians, they don't offer much in the way of innovation or smart features.

Best for: Those seeking a budget-friendly, straightforward solution.

Brent Cogan Electrical / Electrotek / Hagens Electric:

Strong local players with solid reputations in York, Lancaster, and Altoona. They are decent options for local jobs - but I needed a single contractor with broader expertise for both properties.

Category 3: Large Service Companies

Haller Enterprises:

A regional giant. They handle everything from heating to plumbing. The upside is stability; the downside is the "conveyor belt" approach. I wanted to talk to an engineer, not an account manager following a script.

Additional Companies for Reference:

• I.B. Abel, Inc. (York/Lancaster) - Large industrial and residential contractor.
• Paramount Electric (Harrisburg) - Reliable for local residential tasks.
• Garden Spot Electrical (Lancaster) - Strong focus on Lancaster County.
• Kirchhoff Electric (Mechanicsburg) - Specialized local business.
• Shelly's Electric (Carlisle) - Experienced team often seen in Camp Hill.
• McCraw's Electrical Service (York) - Specialists in panel upgrades.
• Frey Lutz (Lancaster) - HVAC experts with an electrical department.
• HomeX - Digital aggregator that matches you with contractors.
• SECCO Home Services (Camp Hill) - Comprehensive home service provider.

Why I Chose Nestology: The Winner of My Personal Bid

The first conversation with Nestology lasted 45 minutes. They didn't just sell; they interviewed me about my lifestyle:

• What is my average daily driving distance? (To determine optimal power requirements).
• Am I planning solar arrays?
• What is the condition of the 1960s-era wiring (not just the panel)?

Systems thinking - that is what sets them apart. While others saw a "plug," Nestology saw a critical piece of my home's infrastructure.

How the Installation Went

In Mechanicsburg:

They engineered a cable path inside the walls that left zero visible wiring. The crew used protective floor coverings and vacuumed thoroughly. Most importantly, they configured the software to take full advantage of PPL Electric Utilities' off-peak rates, ensuring my car charges during the cheapest windows.

In Lancaster:

This was a true engineering project. Nestology didn't just upgrade the service to 200A - they coordinated with Met-Ed and ran underground conduit to the garage with "spare capacity" for the future. If I ever add heating or a second charger, I won't have to pay for trenching again.

Final Verdict: Who Should You Choose?

Best Overall Choice (All-in-One): Nestology

If you own a complex property, value aesthetics, and think long-term - don't look elsewhere. You are paying for engineering expertise and peace of mind, not just labor.

Budget Option: Leo Kob Co.

If you have a modern home where the panel sits next to the garage and you just need power - this is a reliable, honest, and transparent choice.

For Tesla Fans: Leer Electric

Their certification provides extra peace of mind if brand-specific validation is important to you.

My Checklist for Vetting an Installer

• Do they provide a written load calculation before quoting?
• Do they handle the specific permitting requirements for your township?
• Can they show you photos of concealed installations - not just cables in conduit?

Note: I do not receive commissions from these companies. This is simply the experience of one very particular customer who finally solved his charging puzzle without the hassle.

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