Do I need a 200-amp panel?

You likely need 200 amps if you're adding an EV charger, electric heat pump, hot tub, or large addition, or if your current panel is full or under 100 amps. Many older homes run on 60 or 100 amps, which can't support modern electric loads.

What affects panel upgrade cost?

Target amperage, the condition of your service entrance and meter, and whether the utility has to upgrade the drop all matter. Moving the panel to a new location, replacing old wiring, and permit and inspection fees add cost too.

Is a panel upgrade worth it?

If your panel is overloaded, uses outdated fuses, is a recalled brand, or can't support the appliances you want, yes. A failing or undersized panel is a fire risk and a roadblock to EVs and electric heating. If your current panel has spare capacity and no safety issues, you may not need one.

How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in 2026?

Q: How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?

A panel upgrade costs about $1,500 to $4,000. Upgrading to a 200-amp service runs $2,000 to $3,500, while a 100-amp panel swap can be $1,200 to $2,000. Moving the panel, upgrading the service entrance, or trenching adds to the price.

An electrical panel upgrade costs about $1,500 to $4,000. Upgrading to a 200-amp service runs $2,000 to $3,500, while a straight 100-amp panel swap is $1,200 to $2,000. Moving the panel, replacing the service entrance, or trenching for an underground feed all push the total higher.

We build websites and SEO for electricians, and we run our own home-service companies. This is a job homeowners research carefully because it's a safety item. Here's the honest cost, what changes it, and the signs you actually need one.

Cost by service size

100-amp panel swap

$1,200–$2,000

Replacing an old or recalled 100-amp panel with a new one of the same size. The least expensive upgrade, common when the panel is failing but the home doesn't need more capacity.

Upgrade to 200-amp service

$2,000–$3,500

The most common modern upgrade. Doubles capacity for EV chargers, heat pumps, and additions. Includes a new panel, breakers, meter base, and often the service entrance.

400-amp or complex upgrade

$4,000–$8,000+

For large homes, workshops, or all-electric properties. Often involves utility coordination, a new mast, and trenching. The high end of residential electrical work.

What moves the price

→ Service entrance — if the mast, meter, and wires from the utility also need upgrading, the cost climbs well beyond the panel itself.
→ Panel location — moving the panel to a new spot means rerouting every circuit, which adds significant labor.
→ Utility coordination — the power company has to disconnect and reconnect the service, and in some areas upgrade the drop, which can add time and cost.
→ Permits and inspection — required everywhere for panel work, and built into a legitimate quote. A bid without them is a red flag.

When you don't need an upgrade

Panel work is never DIY — it's a licensed, permitted job. But you may not need it at all if:

• Your panel has open breaker slots, no safety issues, and you're not adding major electric loads. Capacity you already have is free.
• You only need one new circuit. An electrician can often add it to your existing panel for a few hundred dollars instead of replacing the whole thing.
• A subpanel would solve a localized capacity problem for less than a full service upgrade.

You do need an upgrade if your panel is full, runs on 60 amps, uses outdated fuses, is a recalled brand, shows scorching or rust, or can't support an EV charger or heat pump. Those are safety and capacity issues worth handling promptly.

Where we fit

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Common questions

Do I need 200 amps?

Likely yes if you're adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or addition, or if your panel is full or under 100 amps. Many older homes can't support modern electric loads without it.

How long does it take?

Most panel upgrades take four to eight hours, with the power off for part of the day. Service-entrance and utility coordination can stretch it across two visits.

Why is permitting important?

Panel work must be permitted and inspected for safety and insurance. An unpermitted upgrade can fail a home sale and isn't worth the small savings. A real quote includes it.

Run an electrical company?

Send your company name and metro — we'll confirm your market is open and build a working demo within 48 hours. Free, no card, no commitment.

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