An electrical panel upgrade is a high-demand job in 2026 — driven by EV chargers, heat pumps, and aging 100A panels. It typically runs $1,500 to $4,500 for a standard 200-amp service upgrade, more for higher amperage or a full rewire. Here is the breakdown.
Panel upgrade cost by service size
- 100A panel replacement (same size) — $1,200 to $2,500
- Upgrade 100A → 200A — $1,800 to $4,500
- Upgrade to 400A — $4,000 to $10,000
- Sub-panel install — $500 to $1,500
- Meter base replacement — $500 to $1,200
- Whole-home surge protector — $150 to $500
What is included
- New panel / breakers — the load center and circuit breakers
- Service entrance cable — heavier wire for higher amperage
- Meter base & mast — often required by the utility
- Grounding & bonding — ground rods, water bond (code requirement)
- Permit & inspection — $100 to $500
- Utility disconnect/reconnect — coordinated with the power company
What drives cost up
- Amperage — 400A service needs heavier everything
- Panel location — moving the panel adds rewiring
- Aluminum wiring / old cloth wiring — may trigger partial rewire
- Code corrections — older homes often need grounding/AFCI/GFCI updates
- Mast & meter — exterior service upgrades add cost
Why panels are getting upgraded in 2026
EV chargers (40–60A), heat pumps, induction ranges, and solar are pushing older 100A panels past capacity. A 200A upgrade is now a near-standard part of electrification projects — bundle it into those quotes.
How to quote a panel upgrade
Itemize the panel, service cable, meter, grounding, permit, and labor, and note any code corrections separately so the homeowner understands the scope.
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