Published October 9, 2025

What to Expect During a Panel Upgrade: Permits, Process, and Payoff

Does your home or commercial property need an electrical service upgrade? Here's what you need to know about getting a new panel installed.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

Key Takeaways:

Modern homes need more power, and old panels often struggle to keep up.

If you’re experiencing electrical issues, such as tripped breakers, overheated circuits, or insufficient space to add more circuits, it’s time to consider installing a new panel.

You’ll need a licensed electrician to handle this process for a safe and code-compliant panel installation.

Old electrical panels weren’t built for modern energy demands. As your panel ages, you’ll likely encounter electrical issues and find yourself short on breaker space and panel capacity if you plan to add EV charging, electric HVAC, or other high-demand applications.

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to think about an electrical service upgrade. Here’s what to expect.

Getting Started: Load Calculations and Site Review

Before proceeding, contact a licensed electrician and schedule an electrical inspection. During this inspection, they will assess the age and condition of your panel and do a load calculation.

This will give you a better idea of how many years your panel has left and whether it has sufficient capacity to meet your future energy needs.

With many homes still using a 100-amp panel, upgrading to a 200-amp service is a popular choice. This doubles your panel’s capacity, allowing you to power applications such as home EV charging or handle more circuits.

Permits and Coordination: What Happens Behind the Scenes

If you decide to go through with the panel upgrade, you’ll need to get a permit from your local building department.

It’s something your licensed electrician can handle. They’ll submit plans for the upgrade and file the paperwork. They’ll also coordinate with your utility to get your power turned off on installation day and reach out to your city or township inspector once the work is done.

Installation Day: What to Expect

Replacing an old electrical panel shouldn’t take more than a day. Here’s how your licensed electrician will do it:

They’ll contact your utility to shut off power to your home.

The next step is to disconnect and remove the old panel.

At this stage, additional electrical upgrades might be needed, such as replacing old and damaged wiring to and from the panel.

Then, your electrician will install and connect the new panel.

They’ll conduct extensive testing and coordinate with your local building department for a final inspection before the power is turned back on.

A panel replacement is a straightforward process, but your electrician needs a full day to complete the work according to code.

How Much Does Getting a New Electrical Panel Cost?

You should plan on spending between $2,000 and $4,500 for a residential panel upgrade. The price varies because:

Some panels cost more than others. You’ll have to spend more for a 200-amp model or for a panel with smart power management features.

You may need additional upgrades, such as new service wiring or whole-home surge protection, to be installed.

Permit and inspection fees vary from one location to another.

The cost tends to be higher for commercial service upgrades. Here’s why:

Commercial properties use high-capacity panels.

You might need separate meters added for tenants.

As your business grows, you might need to add more circuits and power a larger area.

Installing EV-ready infrastructure along with a new panel will increase the total cost.

Is Replacing Your Old Panel Worth It?

Yes. As your panel ages, you face an increased risk of electrical issues, which can result in costly emergency repairs.

A new panel gives you peace of mind and the added electrical capacity for your future projects, whether it’s EV charging, solar and battery integration, electric HVAC, or simply powering more appliances.

Additionally, a new panel can enhance your home’s value and reduce your energy bills due to its energy-efficient features. You might be able to save on your service upgrade if your utility offers rebates, so make sure to check first.

Schedule Your Electrical Service Upgrade With JAXSL

JAXSL is a licensed electrician provider that prioritizes safety, compliance, and high-quality work. Whether you need a residential or commercial service upgrade, we handle the entire process, from initial assessment to final testing.

Our goal is to make panel upgrades stress-free and prepare your home or commercial property for the power demands of tomorrow. Contact us at 844-452-9538 or online to receive a quote for your panel upgrade.

FAQ

How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?

You may need an upgrade if your breakers trip frequently, your panel is older than 25 years, or you want to add EV chargers, heat pumps, or solar systems.

Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?

Yes, all panel upgrades require local permitting, utility coordination, and post-installation inspections. Your electrician should handle this on your behalf.

How long does a panel upgrade take?

Most installations are completed in one day, typically 6–10 hours, including power shutoff and final testing. Utility reconnection may vary by jurisdiction.

What size panel should I upgrade to?

Most homes benefit from upgrading to a 200-amp panel. Some large or electrified homes may require more. Your electrician will calculate your specific load needs.