You need a main panel upgrade if:

• Your main service is under 200 amps and can't support new loads
• Your panel is old (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, fuse box)
• You're planning major additions (EV charger + AC + remodel)
• Utility says you need a service upgrade

You need a subpanel if:

• Your main panel has capacity but no physical space for more breakers
• You're adding circuits in a distant location (garage, ADU, workshop)
• You want to organize circuits by area (subpanel in garage for all garage circuits)

We'll assess your situation during our free evaluation and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Main panel upgrade: 1-2 days of work. Timeline:

1. Day 1: Utility shuts off power at meter (usually 2-4 hours). We install new panel, reconnect circuits, restore power.
2. Inspection: City inspector approves work (scheduled within days to weeks depending on jurisdiction).
3. Day 2 (if needed): Utility installs new meter base (if required).

Subpanel: 4-8 hours same day (no utility coordination needed).

Power outage: Main panel upgrades require 2-4 hours without power. Subpanels can often be done with minimal or no outage.

Yes. Panel upgrades and subpanel installations always require permits and inspections. This is non-negotiable for safety and code compliance.

What we handle:

• Permit application and fees
• Utility coordination (for main upgrades)
• Inspection scheduling
• Final sign-off and documentation

Permit fees (typically $150-400) are separate and passed through at cost. Unpermitted panel work is dangerous, illegal, and will come up during home sales.

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels (common 1950s-1980s) have a known defect: breakers often fail to trip during overloads, creating fire risk. They're no longer allowed and should be replaced immediately.

Zinsco panels (common 1960s-1970s) have similar issues—breakers can fuse to the bus bar and fail to trip.

If you have either panel, replacement is urgent, not optional. Home inspectors flag these, insurance companies sometimes refuse coverage, and they're a legitimate fire hazard.

We can often replace an FPE or Zinsco panel in 1 day with a modern, safe 200-amp panel. Call us for a priority assessment.

No. A panel upgrade only increases capacity—it doesn't increase consumption. You're paying for what you use, not what you could use.

Think of it like widening a highway: more lanes don't mean more cars unless you add more cars. Similarly, a 200-amp panel doesn't use more electricity unless you plug in more devices.

What might increase your bill: adding new loads like an EV charger, AC unit, or hot tub. But the panel itself? No impact on usage.

Yes. Outdoor panels are common in California. We'll install a weather-rated panel designed for exterior mounting.

Benefits of outdoor panels:

• Easier utility access
• No interior space needed
• Often faster installation

If your meter and panel are currently inside and need to be relocated outside, we coordinate with your utility. This adds cost and time but is sometimes required by code for service upgrades.

A load calculation is an electrical engineering assessment that adds up all the power your home uses (or will use) to determine if your panel can safely handle it.

We calculate:

• General lighting and receptacles
• Major appliances (range, dryer, water heater, HVAC)
• Motors and equipment
• Future loads you're planning to add

Then we apply National Electrical Code (NEC) formulas to determine your home's total demand. If it exceeds your panel's capacity, you need an upgrade.

This isn't guesswork—it's code-required math. We perform this assessment free during our site visit.

Sometimes. Solar adds a backfeed breaker that connects your solar inverter to the panel. This breaker counts against your panel's bus bar rating.

NEC requires: Main breaker + solar breaker ≤ 120% of bus bar rating.

Example: If you have a 200-amp panel with a 200-amp main breaker and want to add a 30-amp solar breaker, you're over the limit (200 + 30 = 230, which exceeds 200 x 1.2 = 240). Solutions:

• Downsize your main breaker (if load calc allows)
• Install a smaller solar breaker
• Upgrade to a larger panel

Your solar installer will identify this, but we can assess before you commit to solar and coordinate the panel work if needed.

Our $3,950+ starting price for a main panel upgrade includes:

• New 200-amp main panel (brand-name like Square D, Eaton, or Siemens)
• Reconnecting all existing circuits
• Utility coordination and scheduling
• Permit application
• City/county inspection
• Circuit labeling
• Cleanup and haul-away of old panel

Not included (quoted separately):

• Permit fees ($150-400, jurisdiction-dependent)
• Utility meter base replacement (if required by utility)
• Service entrance cable upgrades (if needed)
• New circuits beyond reconnecting existing
• Repairs to damaged/unsafe wiring found during upgrade

We provide a transparent, itemized quote after assessment—no surprises.

Before we arrive:

• Clear access to your panel (move boxes, storage, etc.)
• Unplug sensitive electronics (computers, TVs) or use surge protectors
• Plan for 2-4 hours without power (charge devices, plan meals)
• If you work from home, plan to be offline during installation

What we bring:

• New panel and all materials
• Tools and safety equipment
• Drop cloths and cleanup supplies

We'll confirm timing with you a day before and give you a 2-hour arrival window. Most upgrades are done in one day with power restored by evening.