ServiCover📌 Key Takeaway: A 100-to-200 amp panel upgrade typically costs $1,500-$4,000. Costs rise if the utility service line, meter base or grounding also need upgrading, or if the panel has to be moved to meet code.
Signs Your Panel Needs an Upgrade
- Your home has 60- or 100-amp service and you're adding major loads (EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, induction range)
- Breakers trip often, or lights dim when appliances start
- No open breaker slots, or lots of tandem breakers and "double-tapped" wires
- A fuse box instead of breakers
- Rust, scorching or a warm panel cover
- Certain older panel brands with known safety concerns — an electrician can identify these
What Affects the Price
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Amperage (100A, 150A, 200A, 400A) | Higher capacity means larger equipment and wire |
| Service line / meter upgrade | May require utility coordination and extra cost |
| Panel relocation | Moving a panel adds significant labor |
| Grounding and bonding fixes | Common in older homes |
| Permits and inspection | Required almost everywhere |
What the Job Involves
- Load calculation — the electrician sizes the new service based on your current and planned appliances.
- Permit and utility scheduling — the utility usually has to disconnect and reconnect power.
- Install day — expect power to be off for much of a day.
- Inspection — the local inspector signs off before or after the utility reconnects, depending on your area.
Alternatives to a Full Upgrade
If you're adding one big load like an EV charger, a load management device or smart panel can sometimes avoid a service upgrade by pausing the charger when other appliances are running. Ask your electrician whether a load calculation supports this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The physical swap usually takes a day, but permitting and utility scheduling can stretch the full process over a few weeks.
Will a panel upgrade increase home value?
It can help, particularly for buyers planning EVs or heat pumps, and it removes a common inspection red flag on older homes.