Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

Angi puts the national average panel replacement at $1,347, with a range of $518 to $2,193, and up to $4,500 with add-ons. HomeGuide's average is $1,475, with most homeowners paying $1,287 to $1,707.

Cost by amperage

See EV charger installation cost.

Other panel work

Labor and permits

Wiring

For whole-house wiring, see house rewiring cost.

Panel types (Angi)

Breakers (Angi, per unit)

A standard breaker costs about $10; GFCI and AFCI breakers $30 to $100 each.

Add-on work (Angi)

Angi lists total labor at $1,000 to $4,500 on larger jobs and suggests replacing rather than repairing once a repair passes $1,000. HomeGuide's rewiring guide lists panel replacement at $850 to $2,500 and a dedicated circuit at $250 to $900.

Repairs instead

Angi says some panel repairs cost as little as $100, and circuit breaker switch parts run $5 to $20 each. HomeGuide's electrical price list puts a panel upgrade at $1,100 to $2,500.

A subpanel adds $500 to $1,700 in HomeGuide's 240V outlet guide.

Why upgrade an electrical panel

• The home needs more capacity for new appliances, an EV charger, a heat pump or solar.
• The panel is old or has a history of problems.
• Breakers trip often.
• There are no open slots for new circuits.
• An insurer or inspector requires it.

Panels with known problems

Some older panel brands and models have known safety concerns. If your home has one, an electrician can explain whether replacement is recommended.

What an upgrade involves

• Replacing the panel and breakers.
• Upgrading the service entrance cable and meter base if needed.
• Coordination with the electric utility to disconnect and reconnect power.
• Grounding and bonding updates.
• Permits and inspection.

What affects the price

• New panel size and amperage.
• Service upgrade from the utility.
• Panel location and moving it if required.
• Code updates required during the work.
• Drywall or exterior repairs.

Questions to ask

1. Did you do a load calculation?
2. Does the utility need to upgrade the service?
3. How long will the power be off?

In Texas

In many Texas areas, the meter and service drop are managed by the local transmission and distribution utility, not your retail electricity provider. Your electrician will coordinate with that utility for the disconnect and reconnect.

Signs you need a panel upgrade

• Breakers trip often.
• Lights dim when appliances turn on.
• The panel is full, with no space for new circuits.
• The home still uses a fuse box.
• You plan to add major appliances, like an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub or electric range.
• The panel is a brand or model with a history of safety problems.
• The panel shows rust, scorching or a burning smell.

More on what an upgrade involves

1. Load calculation to determine the service size the home needs.
2. Permit from the city or county.
3. Utility coordination, since the power must be disconnected at the meter. Some upgrades also require a new meter base, service cable or a larger service drop from the utility.
4. Installation of the new panel, breakers and grounding system.
5. Inspection.
6. Reconnection by the utility.

Most panel replacements are done in a day, though utility scheduling can add time.

Service size

Many older homes have 100-amp service. Upgrading to 200-amp service is common when adding major electric loads or converting gas appliances to electric. A load calculation shows whether a larger service is needed or whether a new panel at the same size will do.

Smart panels and load management

Smart panels and load management devices can monitor and control circuits, which may let a home add an EV charger or heat pump without a full service upgrade. Ask your electrician whether these options make sense for your home.

A typical upgrade day

On the day of the upgrade, the power to the house is shut off, usually for most of the day. If the service size is increasing, the utility must disconnect power at the meter or the pole, so the electrician coordinates the timing with them. The old panel is removed, the new panel is mounted, and each circuit is moved to a new breaker and labeled. The electrician may also update the grounding and bonding, replace the meter base and add surge protection.

Once the work passes inspection, the utility reconnects the service. Plan for a day without power: keep the refrigerator closed, charge devices beforehand and make arrangements for anyone who depends on powered medical equipment.

Planning for future needs

A panel upgrade is a good time to plan for what the home may need over the next decade: an EV charger, a heat pump, an induction range, a hot tub or solar panels. Telling the electrician about these plans lets them size the service and leave breaker space so later projects do not require another upgrade. A panel with spare spaces also makes it easier to add circuits for a remodel.

When an upgrade may not be needed

Not every crowded panel requires a full replacement. In some cases, a subpanel adds breaker spaces, tandem breakers fit two circuits in one slot where the panel allows, or a load management device lets a new appliance share capacity with an existing one. These options cost less but have limits. A licensed electrician can run a load calculation and tell you which approach is safe for your home.

Getting quotes

Ask each electrician whether the quote includes permits, the utility coordination, a new meter base if needed, grounding updates and patching any wall damage. Quotes that seem low may leave some of those items out.

Sources

1. Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel? (updated Jul 15, 2026)
2. HomeGuide: Cost to Replace Electrical Panel (Dec 30, 2024)
3. HomeGuide: How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House? (Aug 29, 2025)
4. HomeGuide: Electrical Work Pricing Guide (Feb 11, 2026)
5. HomeGuide: Cost to Install a 220V or 240V Outlet (Apr 5, 2023)