Posted on June 5th, 2024

A question we often get at Zeus Electric is, “How much does it cost to upgrade my electric panel?” The truth can factor in a variety of variables. Electric panels (a.k.a. fuse boxes, service panels, breaker box, circuit panel, switchboard panel, distribution board, etc.) upgrades can vary in prices depending on whether the homeowner is keeping the same amount of amps, relocating your panel, the type of panel you choose to get installed (today there are a variety of panels, including but not limited to “smart panels“, faulty or missing grounding electrode systems, the authority having jurisdiction (inspectors), the National Electrical Code cycle your specific area is using, the rate your electrical contractor is charging, and other less important variables that may affect the cost of your upgrade.

Are you looking to upgrade your existing 100-amp panel to be “solar ready”? This is often the case with many homeowners that are preparing to get solar panels installed at their home. When you are upgrading your panel from 100 amps to 200 amps in overhead-fed service panels, your contractor is going to need to remove your old service feeders (and pipe), and replace it with higher gauge wire rated for 200 amps. In some cases, even if you are not upgrading to a 200 amp panel, the service feeders may need replacement due to weathering.

This, of course, is going to affect the cost of your upgrade. Sometimes service panels have been located in a less ideal location, or over time the area has become less ideal due to remodels, storage, safety, etc. In other cases your electric. The service provider may require you to move your panel to another location. Any of these things, of course, affects the cost of your panel upgrade. If you’re trying to meet a certain budget, talk to your electrical contractor about keeping your panel in the same location, and it could save you some money on your upgrade.

In the fast-changing world we live in, electric panels, like anything else, have been changing and developing to adapt to the digital age, so there are high-end options such as the commonly known as a “smart panel.”. Additionally, like most things, panels have a variety of styles, shapes and brands. The panel you or your electrical contractor chooses will affect the price of your upgrade. As an example, a smart panel could cost upwards of $3500; in contrast, a standard 200 amp panel ranges from $300 to $600. Your electrical contractor should help you decide your electric panel choice and give you clarity on different types of panels and options you may have or want.

Grounding electrode systems are an NEC requirement for all service electrical panels today. At the point of upgrade, your panel may or may not have a grounding electrode system, or your grounding electrode system may be weathered or faulty. As the grounding electrode system is a safety concern aside from being a requirement for every panel, a grounding electrode system may need to be installed or fixed. This inevitably will increase the cost of your panel upgrade.

The National Electrical Code (the rules for installation for electrical systems) gets updated every 3 years. Some NEC updates may cause the price of a panel upgrade to go up because the code may require new things to be installed at a panel or upgraded components (which raise the price of panels), etc. Every state chose which “code cycle“ their electrical inspectors are going to use, so depending on the code cycle and the Authority Having Jurisdiction in your area the price of your panel upgrade may change.

There are a variety of variables that contribute to the cost of your panel upgrade. Even variables that I haven’t mentioned here. Each upgrade is different and unique. In my experience as an electrical contractor, the price of a panel upgrade generally ranges from $4000- $6500 depending on the specific situation each customer is faced with and the specifics of what each customer wants. Most people aren’t looking for the latest high-end electrical panel, most people don’t care what brand of panel is installed or how it looks. Most of us want a safe, reliable electrical system that functions as it should.

If you're looking for a panel upgrade in the Bakersfield, CA area and you are looking for a professional contractor that cares about your needs and wants with your electrical panel upgrade, a contractor that is reliable, communicates well, and will see your panel upgrade and any electrical project you have through to the end; Zeus Electric is here for you. You can contact Zeus Electric and experience the world-class customer service you deserve by filling out a contact form here at our website, contacting us on Google, by phone, text, email, and even on Facebook and Instagram.