Why Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

For many homeowners, an electrical panel upgrade isn’t top-of-mind until there’s an issue. But your panel is the heart of your home’s power system—it’s what lets you run all your modern appliances, charge your gadgets, and keep the lights on.

Here are a few reasons an upgrade might be necessary:

• Outdated Panel: Older homes often have panels that can’t keep up with today’s power needs. If your panel is 20+ years old, it might not be equipped to safely handle modern electrical loads.

• Frequent Tripping: If you’re often resetting your breakers or if circuits trip every time you use an appliance, that’s a sign your panel might be overloaded.

• Home Improvements: Renovations, new appliances, or adding something like a hot tub or an EV charger could mean you need more power capacity.

• Safety Concerns: An older panel can put your home at risk, including risks to both residents and your electronics. Some old panels that are very common to the greater Los Angeles area have even been recalled and "red flagged" by home insurance companies. Many insurance companies are now requiring electrical panel upgrades in order to maintain coverage. Learn more here. 

Main Factors That Influence the Cost of a Main Electrical Panel Upgrade

The cost of an main electrical panel upgrade is influenced by many factors and can generally range between $5,000 to $12,000. We find that many of our customers fall in the range of $5,000 - $7,000 for a standard main panel upgrade.

Here’s a closer look at the factors that can impact the total cost:

Size of Panel Needed: 100-Amp, 200-Amp, or 400-Amp?

• 100-Amp Panel: May work for smaller homes or apartments

• 200-Amp Panel: Ideal for most single-family homes

• 400-Amp Panel: For large homes and homes with higher energy needs (i.e. EV charging, extra appliances)

Grounding the Electrical System

Not all homes have a properly grounded electrical system, especially older ones. If your system needs grounding, it will add to the overall cost, but it’s essential for safety. Modern electrical systems are required to be grounded in 2 locations including the main water line to the house. The distance between the panel and the main water line is a large factor in the cost of grounding a system due to the cost of materials. Grounding the system may add anywhere between $500-$1000+ to your project depending on the distance.

Panel Installation Type: Surface vs. Flush Mounting. Top vs. Bottom Fed

If your panel is surface-mounted (mounted directly on the wall), it’s generally quicker and cheaper to replace. But flush-mounted panels (those set into the wall) require additional labor and exterior wall repair, adding to the project’s cost. Top or bottom fed refers to were the wires from the utility company enter your panel. (If you have a top fed panel you will see a pipe sticking out of your roof above the panel with wires connected to nearby utility poles). Top fed panels require more work and additional materials to replace compared to a bottom fed panel. The panel installation type may add between $500-$2000 to the cost of your project. 

Other Factors to Consider

Solar Panel Integration

Some homeowners opt for "solar ready" electrical panels in preparation for future upgrades. If you plan to install solar panels in the future, even if it won't be for several years, opting for a solar ready panel will save you from having to have another panel change done at the time of your solar panel installation. Having a solar ready panel can also increase the value of your home for future buyers even if you don't plan to install solar panels yourself. 

Smart Home Compatibility

Today’s electrical panels can work with smart home tech. For example, SPAN panels allow you to control and monitor power usage. While this technology comes at an additional upfront cost, it can provide long-term savings and insights into your energy usage particularly for home owners utilizing solar and/or home batteries. Smart panels cost several thousands of dollars more than a traditional panel and upgrades opting for a smart panel will typically fall into the higher end of our price range. Does the investment make sense for you and your home? [Learn more about SPAN panels here]. 

Panel Relocation

Though not commonly required, a panel relocation can add to the cost of your panel upgrade. The additional cost will vary greatly depending on how far the panel needs to be moved.

Extra Electrical Work Needed

Sometimes, an upgrade reveals other issues that need addressing, like rewiring or adding extra circuits to meet the increased power capacity. If you need to upgrade your panel due to planned renovations or electrical additions such as an EV charger or hot tub, it can save you money to have this work done at the same time as your panel upgrade.

DIY vs. Professional Installation: What’s the Real Cost?

We understand that DIY projects can be satisfying and budget-friendly, but an electrical panel upgrade is a project best left to licensed electricians. Here’s why:

The Dangers of DIY Panel Upgrades

Handling an electrical panel poses serious physical risk as well as risk to your home and electrical equipment. Performing a panel upgrade requires specific skills and experience to ensure everything is safe, up to code, and functioning properly. A DIY panel upgrade can lead to major safety hazards, code violations, or even worse—injuries and fires.

Advantages of Hiring a Licensed Electrician

CPN Electric has the expertise to ensure your new panel is installed safely and correctly. Our work is performed thoroughly, safely and up to code because we care greatly about the safety of our clients and the quality of our workmanship. We’ve never failed an inspection!

What Value Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Add?

Safer Home Environment

An outdated panel is more than inconvenient; it’s a safety risk. Newer panels reduce the chances of electrical fires, protect sensitive electronics, and keep your family safe. 

Homeowner’s Insurance

Many older electrical panels were manufactured using materials and designs that no longer meet modern safety standards. Insurance companies may raise premiums or refuse to insure properties that operate off these panels. Some of these “blacklisted” panels include:

• Federal Pacific 

• Zinsco

• Sylvania 

• Challenger 

• Stab-Lok 

These panels are unfortunately very common in the greater Los Angeles area and Ventura County. [Learn more about the dangers of these recalled panels here]

Increased Resale Value

Modern electrical systems are an appealing feature for homebuyers, especially those planning to use smart appliances or energy-intensive equipment. An updated panel can give your home an edge in a competitive market.

Conclusion: Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade Right for You?

Upgrading your electrical panel is a significant investment, but it’s also one that can pay off in safety, home insurance savings, and peace of mind. If you’re experiencing power issues, upgrading can make your home a safer, more comfortable place. 

For homeowners in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, CPN Electric brings experience, knowledge, and a commitment to quality service to each project. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to us. Let’s make sure your home’s power system is as dependable as it should be, now and for years to come.

Fill out our form here to help use provide you a more accurate quote personalized to your needs. 

Back to Blog