By [AUTHOR NAME, TITLE], Kelley Electrical Contracting. Published 2026-10-16. Last reviewed [DATE]. Educational information, not a substitute for an on-site inspection.
What drives the price
Scope and complexity; materials and equipment (for example the charger, panel or battery); whether your panel or service has the capacity or needs an upgrade; wire runs and how hard it is to reach the work in walls, attics or crawl spaces; permits, inspections and utility coordination; and whether the work is residential or commercial.
Call (559) 940-1939Questions? Talk to a licensed electrician.
How electricians charge
Some charge by the hour, many give a flat price for a defined job. Both can be fair. What matters is a clear written scope so you know what is and is not included.
Call (559) 940-1939Questions? Talk to a licensed electrician.
How to compare quotes
Confirm each contractor is licensed (check the CSLB), bonded and insured. Compare scope, equipment brands, permit handling and warranty. A much lower price can mean something was left out.
Call (559) 940-1939Questions? Talk to a licensed electrician.
Free consultations
For larger projects such as solar or battery backup, a consultation lets the contractor see your panel and goals before pricing. Kelley Electrical Contracting offers free, no-obligation consultations for solar and battery backup.
Call (559) 940-1939Questions? Talk to a licensed electrician.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't an electrician quote over the phone?
Because panel capacity, wire routes and code requirements often can't be known until someone sees the job.
Is the cheapest quote the best?
Not necessarily. Make sure scope, permits, licensing and insurance match across quotes.
Are permits included?
Ask. Permits and inspections should be part of the estimate for any work that needs them.
Call (559) 940-1939Questions? Talk to a licensed electrician.
Sources and further reading
Need an electrician?
Licensed California electrical contractor, license #1111378. Serving Fresno and Madera.