A home EV charger installation is a significant purchase. This checklist helps Irish homeowners evaluate quotes from installers — covering everything from Safe Electric registration to what the VAT rate should be.
An EV charger installation quote ranges from a single line (“7.4 kW charger installed, €X”) to a detailed multi-page document specifying every component and test procedure. The single-line quote is dangerous — it hides assumptions about scope, specification, and regulatory compliance that can result in unexpected costs or, worse, an installation that fails certification.
This checklist gives you the 20 specific items to look for in any quote before signing off. Use it across multiple quotes to compare like-for-like.
1. Brand and full model number specified The quote must name the specific charger (e.g., “Easee One EV Charger, Model EAONE001” — not just “7.4 kW smart charger”). Confirm this model number is on the SEAI approved product list at seai.ie before accepting.
2. Tethered or untethered clearly stated If tethered: what cable length (5m or 7.5m)? If untethered: is a cable included, or is it an additional cost?
3. Power rating confirmed (7.4 kW single-phase or 11/22 kW three-phase) Confirm the charger rating matches your supply type. A 22 kW charger on a single-phase supply will only deliver 7.4 kW — you pay for three-phase equipment without the benefit.
4. IP rating stated Minimum IP54 for outdoor installation. Confirm this is specified, especially for exposed locations.
5. Charger supply price specified separately from installation labour Know what you are paying for the unit vs the labour. This helps if you want to source the charger separately or compare equivalent installations.
6. Circuit specification: cable size and type The quote should specify the cable being installed — typically 6mm² twin-and-earth for short indoor runs, or 6mm² SWA armoured cable for outdoor or underground sections. For longer runs (>20 metres), 10mm² cable may be required. If the cable spec is not stated, ask.
7. Consumer unit work: RCBO type and size The quote should specify a 32A RCBO (or MCB) being added to the consumer unit, and whether it is Type A or Type B. If the charger has built-in DC fault detection (most do), a Type A RCBO is acceptable. If not, a Type B RCBO is needed at higher cost.
8. Consumer unit assessment included Does the quote include assessment of whether the consumer unit needs upgrading? If a consumer unit upgrade is needed but not scoped in the quote, you will receive a surprise additional invoice on the day. Ask: “Is your quote contingent on the consumer unit being adequate as-is?”
9. Cable route described Internal through cavity walls? External surface trunking? Underground armoured cable across the driveway? The cable route affects cost significantly and affects the aesthetics of the finished installation. A quote without a described route was written without a proper site survey.
10. Charger mounting location confirmed Height, wall, and position should be agreed before the quote is finalised. Moving the charger position after installation begins is disruptive and may incur additional cost.
11. Dynamic load management included or explicitly excluded Is a CT clamp and load management module (Easee Equalizer, Wallbox Power Boost, etc.) included? If your household has an electric shower and other high-draw appliances, this is worth including. If excluded, the quote should note this and explain why it is not needed.
12. ESB Networks notification: who handles it and when? For chargers above 7 kW (11 kW, 22 kW three-phase), ESB Networks notification is required before installation. The quote should state whether the installer handles this and include the notification timeline in the project schedule.
13. Safe Electric Record of Electrical Completion (REC) included The REC must be included in the installation scope. It is not an optional extra — it is a legal requirement and a prerequisite for the SEAI grant. If a quote does not mention the REC, ask explicitly.
14. Installer’s Safe Electric registration number provided Ask for the Safe Electric registration number in the quote or prior to accepting. Verify it at safeelectric.ie.
15. Installer on SEAI registered installer list confirmed For grant eligibility, the installer must be on the SEAI registered EV charger installer list. Ask them to confirm this and verify at seai.ie.
16. SEAI grant assistance described Does the installer handle the SEAI pre-application and help with the grant claim after installation? Or do you manage this yourself? Both are valid arrangements, but you need to know which so you can plan.
17. Grant deducted from invoice or claimed separately? In Ireland, the SEAI grant is paid to the homeowner, not deducted at source from the installer’s invoice. You pay the full installation cost and SEAI reimburses you €600 after upload of the REC and invoice. Make sure you understand this — you need to budget for the full cost upfront.
18. VAT breakdown shown VAT on installation labour is 13.5% (reduced rate for construction services). VAT on the charger unit supply is 23% (standard rate). A professional quote should show these rates separately. If VAT is not broken out, ask.
19. Any potential additional costs identified A good quote identifies likely cost variables: “Consumer unit upgrade if required: €300–€500 additional” or “Extended cable run if preferred mounting point changes: €150 additional”. Known variables should be quantified upfront, not left as blank cheques.
20. Payment terms and schedule stated When is payment due — deposit upfront, balance on completion, or full payment on completion? For a professional installer with established creditworthiness, payment on completion (with no deposit required) is a reasonable expectation. A large upfront deposit (>30%) from an unfamiliar installer is a risk.
Once you have quotes from two or three installers, create a simple comparison table:
On the surface, Installer C looks cheapest. But if the consumer unit needs upgrading (add €350–€500), C becomes the most expensive and was not quoted properly. Installer A’s all-in quote at €560 net is the most transparent and likely the best value.
Use this checklist every time. The 30 minutes it takes to compare quotes systematically is time very well spent.
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Home Solar guides EV Charger Quote Checklist for Irish Homeowners: 20 Things to Check EV Charger Quote Checklist for Irish Homeowners: 20 Things to Check
Solar advisor team
Published 15 May 2026
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