Do You Actually Need a Panel Upgrade?
Here's what I tell people: If you're planning to electrify your home, you probably need a bigger panel.
Most homes built before 2000 have 100-amp or 150-amp panels. That was fine when all you had was lights, a fridge, and maybe an AC unit. But add a heat pump (30-60 amps), EV charger (40-50 amps), and electric range (40-50 amps)? The math stops working.
How Much Does a Panel Upgrade Actually Cost?
Real talk: It varies wildly.
I've seen quotes from $1,500 to $4,000 for a standard 100A to 200A upgrade. What drives the cost? Distance from the meter to the panel, whether you need a new meter base, if your utility requires service upgrades outside your house, and local permitting costs. Oh, and whether your panel is buried behind drywall or sitting in an open basement.
100A to 200A Upgrade
This is the most common upgrade. Around $2,000-3,000 in most areas.
You get double the capacity, which is usually enough for full electrification (heat pump, EV charger, induction range) unless you have a massive home or want multiple EV chargers.
100A to 400A Upgrade
Overkill for most homes. But if you're running a home workshop, charging two EVs, and adding a pool heater? Maybe necessary.
Costs $3,500-5,000+ because the wire, panel, and meter base are all significantly bigger. Your utility may also charge more for the higher service level.
Can You Avoid Upgrading?
Sometimes, yes. There are workarounds.
Load-Sharing Devices
Smart panels or load controllers (like SPAN or Lumin) can manage which heavy loads run simultaneously. Your EV charges at night when the heat pump isn't running hard. Costs $2,000-3,500 installed, which is comparable to a panel upgrade—but you avoid the permitting hassle and keep your existing panel.
Just... Not Running Everything at Once
Honestly? If you're borderline on capacity, you might be fine.
Most homes never pull their full panel capacity. Your heat pump doesn't run at full blast while you're cooking dinner and charging your car. If your electrician says you're at 85-90% capacity, that's often manageable without an upgrade. But if you're hitting 100%+, you need more capacity.
What About Permits and Inspections?
Required everywhere. No exceptions.
Panel upgrades modify your home's electrical service, which means permits, inspections, and coordinating with your utility. Your electrician should handle this, but it adds 1-2 weeks to the timeline. Budget $200-500 for permit fees depending on your city.
Common Questions I Get
How do I know if I need an upgrade?
Look at your current panel. If it says 100A or 150A and you're adding major electric appliances (heat pump, EV charger, induction range), you probably need an upgrade. Have an electrician do a load calculation—it's usually free with a quote. They'll add up all your existing and planned loads to see if you have enough capacity.
Can I DIY this?
Absolutely not. Panel upgrades require working with live utility wires carrying 240V at 100+ amps. One mistake kills you. Plus, no permit office will approve owner-installed service upgrades. Hire a licensed electrician.
Will my utility charge more for a bigger service?
Sometimes. Some utilities charge a higher monthly service fee for 200A+ service. It's usually $5-15/month more. Check your utility's rate schedule before upgrading.
How long does the upgrade take?
The actual work? One day, maybe two. But permitting and utility coordination can take 2-4 weeks. Your power will be off for 4-8 hours during the install, so plan accordingly.
Should I upgrade before or after installing a heat pump/EV charger?
Before. You can't safely install high-draw equipment on an undersized panel. Get the panel upgrade done first, then add your other upgrades. Most electricians will quote the whole project together, which can save money.
What if my panel is full but properly sized?
You might not need a full upgrade—just a subpanel. If you have a 200A main panel but all the breaker slots are full, an electrician can add a 100A subpanel in your garage or basement for $800-1,500. Way cheaper than replacing the main.
Are there rebates for panel upgrades?
Not many. The Inflation Reduction Act's electrification rebates (coming 2024-2025 in most states) may cover some panel upgrade costs if done alongside heat pump or other qualifying installations. Check your state's implementation. But don't count on it—budget the full cost.