ChargeRight vs Qmerit: An Honest Comparison
Both ChargeRight and Qmerit help homeowners get EV chargers installed. But the business models are completely different, and understanding that difference could save you thousands of dollars.
This isn't a hit piece on Qmerit. They do real work and provide real value for the right customer. But as a Master Electrician, I see a lot of homeowners going through the Qmerit process without understanding what they're paying for — or whether they need all of it.
What Qmerit Does
- Qmerit is an installation broker / coordinator network
- You submit your project details, they match you with a local installer from their network
- The installer handles permitting, installation, and inspection
- Qmerit takes a coordination fee built into the installation price
- They partner with automakers (Ford, GM, Rivian, etc.) as the "preferred installer network"
- The model works: they handle the logistics so you don't have to find and vet an electrician yourself
- The tradeoff: you're paying for that coordination, and you can only use their network installers
What ChargeRight Does
- ChargeRight provides a $12.99 independent NEC 220.82 load calculation
- We don't install anything. We don't sell chargers. We don't broker installations.
- You get a professional assessment of your panel capacity with a detailed PDF report
- AI-powered panel photo analysis cross-validated against your questionnaire data
- You use that report to make informed decisions and negotiate with ANY electrician
- Built by a Master Electrician (IBEW Local 369), not a tech company or installation broker
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ChargeRight | Qmerit |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $12.99 | $1,500–$5,000+ (includes installation) |
| What you get | NEC 220.82 load calculation + PDF report | Full installation + permits |
| Who does the work | You review report, hire any electrician | Qmerit-network installer only |
| Business model | Independent assessment | Installation broker (margin on install) |
| Incentive alignment | No reason to upsell you | Larger scope = more revenue |
| NEC calculation method | 220.82 Optional Method, 5-method comparison | Varies by installer |
| Timeline | Minutes | Days to weeks |
| Electrician choice | Use anyone you want | Must use Qmerit network |
| Panel upgrade recommendation | Based on NEC 220.82 math | Tends conservative |
Why the Price Gap Exists
This isn't about one being "better" — they're different services:
- Qmerit coordinates everything: finding a qualified installer, managing permits, scheduling, quality assurance. That coordination has real costs — it's baked into the installation price.
- Conservative load assessments in the broker model mean more panel upgrades get recommended. More upgrade work = more revenue for the installer network. This isn't necessarily intentional — it's how incentives naturally align.
- ChargeRight only does the load calculation. No install coordination, no installer network to maintain, no permitting overhead. That's why it's $12.99.
When Qmerit Makes Sense
- You want a completely hands-off installation experience
- Your automaker offers a Qmerit credit or discount (Ford, GM, and others sometimes include this)
- You don't have a trusted local electrician and don't want to find one
- You're comfortable paying a premium for convenience and project management
- You need the installation done and don't want to coordinate anything yourself
When ChargeRight Makes Sense
- You want to know your actual panel capacity before committing to anything
- You already have an electrician you trust (or want to choose your own)
- You want to compare multiple quotes armed with real load calculation data
- You suspect you might NOT need a panel upgrade and want proof
- You've received a quote that feels high and want an independent second opinion
- You want the math for $12.99 instead of paying thousands for an assumption
- Most 200A panels have room — find out if yours does
The Smart Move
The truth is, it's not really ChargeRight OR Qmerit — they serve different needs at different stages:
- Start with ChargeRight ($12.99) — get your NEC 220.82 load calculation and know exactly where your panel stands
- If you have capacity — hire any local electrician to add a circuit ($500–$1,500). See our panel upgrade cost breakdown for details
- If you need an upgrade — you now have real data. Use it to get informed quotes from local electricians OR go through Qmerit with full knowledge of what you actually need
- Either way, you save money by knowing the math first
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qmerit a rip-off?
No. Qmerit provides legitimate value as an installation coordinator — they find installers, manage the project, and handle scheduling. Their costs include coordination margin, which is standard for any broker service. The question is whether you need that coordination or just the load calculation.
Can I use ChargeRight AND Qmerit?
Yes, and it's actually smart to do so. Get ChargeRight's $12.99 NEC 220.82 assessment first to understand your panel capacity, then decide whether to use Qmerit, a local electrician, or another service for installation.
Why is ChargeRight so much cheaper than Qmerit?
Different services entirely. ChargeRight provides a load calculation and assessment report ($12.99). Qmerit coordinates a full installation ($1,500–$5,000+). We don't install anything — no install coordination overhead.
Does ChargeRight install EV chargers?
No. ChargeRight is an independent assessment service. We calculate your panel capacity using NEC 220.82 and provide a professional report. You choose your own electrician for installation.
What if my ChargeRight assessment shows I need an upgrade?
Then you have real data to make informed decisions. You can get quotes from local electricians, use Qmerit, or explore alternatives like sub-panels — all with actual load calculation numbers in hand.
About the Author
Jason Walls
Master Electrician, IBEW Local 369. Jason built ChargeRight to give homeowners independent panel assessments based on real NEC calculations — not sales quotas.
Start with the Math
Get your NEC 220.82 assessment for $12.99. Then decide what comes next.