Thinking about installing a Level 2 EV charger at home or your business in Allentown or the surrounding Lehigh Valley? Before you plug in, make sure you’re charging safely and that you’re not forgetting required permits or leaving rebates on the table.
This guide breaks down the essentials:
- How to handle EV charger installation in Allentown
- What permits you’ll need.
- What to know about level 2 charger permit rules.
- Panel and circuit considerations
- How to take advantage of the current PPL rebate and Pennsylvania EV incentives.
Do I need a permit for a Level 2 EV charger in Allentown?:
Yes, if you’re installing a Level 2 EV charger (240V), a permit is required in nearly every municipality across Pennsylvania, including Allentown.
The reason?
A Level 2 charger is not just a plug-in device. It draws more power, requires a dedicated circuit, and often involves a panel upgrade or subpanel addition. For both safety and code compliance, your city’s electrical inspector will want to see it done right.
Allentown’s Permit Process (At a Glance):
- Permit type: residential or commercial electrical permit
- Application: Through the City of Allentown’s online permitting portal
- Documents: You’ll need a panel load calculation, charger specs, and your electrician’s license info
- Inspections: Usually one post-installation inspection is required
- Cost: Varies, around $60–$150 depending on scope
- Timeline: Typically 3–7 business days if submitted correctly
- At Married2Electric, we handle this process for our customers, from pulling permits to passing final inspection.
What About Businesses Installing EV Chargers?
If you’re planning EV charger installation at a business in Allentown or Lehigh Valley, the process includes a few extras:
- Zoning: May apply depending on location and type of property
- ADA compliance: Required for public-access chargers
- Utility coordination: If multiple chargers are installed, you may need load analysis or separate metering
- Signage and striping: Local rules apply for how parking spaces must be marked
Don’t assume it’s the same as home installation. Commercial EV charging often triggers different code reviews and incentive programs.
Panel Capacity & Circuit Requirements
Before installing a Level 2 charger, your electrician must confirm:
- Your main service panel can handle the extra load
- There’s space for a dedicated 40- or 50-amp breaker
- Wire size and grounding meet NEC requirements
If your panel is outdated, maxed out, or unsafe, you’ll need a panel upgrade or subpanel before installation. Married2Electric offers full-service panel upgrades in Allentown, including permit handling and inspections.
What’s the PPL Rebate for EV Chargers?
If you’re a residential customer of PPL Electric Utilities, you may qualify for a $250 rebate when installing a Level 2 charger, but there’s a catch:
As of now, this rebate is part of a pilot program running through late 2025, with limited funding and eligibility.
Key PPL Rebate Details:
- Amount: $250
- Eligibility: Must be a PPL residential customer with a Level 2 charger installed at their primary residence
- Application: Submitted through PPL’s website with proof of purchase and installation
- Timeframe: Must apply within 90 days of install
- Note: Only one rebate per household
Want to be sure your setup qualifies? Married2Electric can install the charger, handle the paperwork, and help you claim your rebate before funding runs out.
Other Pennsylvania EV incentives?
Pennsylvania offers many alternative fuel incentives. Below is not a comprehensive list but examples of what businesses may qualify for:
- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (for purchasing EVs)
- Act 129 incentives through utility programs
- Federal tax credits up to 30% of installation cost, capped at $1,000 for residential and $100,000 for commercial, under IRS Section 30C
Commercial properties installing multiple chargers or offering public charging may be eligible for even more, but most require pre-approval before starting.
Ready to Charge Safely and Get Paid to Do It?
At Married2Electric, we’re not just electricians, we’re problem-solvers. We’ve helped dozens of homeowners and businesses across the Lehigh Valley install EV chargers the right way:
- Permit pulled, panel inspected, charger installed
- Rebate applications handled
- No cutting corners, no failed inspections
- Need EV charger installation in Allentown or nearby?
Call Married2Electric today or book your consultation online. We’ll check your panel, confirm your rebate eligibility, and install your charger to code, cleanly, safely, and on time.
