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Home Installation Guide

How to Upgrade Your Home Electrical Panel for EV Charging

Complete guide to electrical panel upgrades for EV charging, including costs, requirements, permits, and professional installation process.

Quick Answer

Panel upgrade costs: $2,500-$6,000 for 200-amp service upgrade. Required if your current panel is under 200 amps or lacks available breaker slots. Always requires professional installation, permits, and utility coordination.

1
When You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Signs You Need an Upgrade

100-amp service

EV Capability:Level 1 only
Upgrade:Required
Cost:$3,500-$6,000

150-amp service

EV Capability:Limited Level 2
Upgrade:Recommended
Cost:$2,500-$4,500

200-amp service

EV Capability:Full Level 2
Upgrade:Usually sufficient
Cost:$0-$500

400-amp service

EV Capability:Multiple EVs
Upgrade:Not needed
Cost:$0-$500

Additional Upgrade Indicators

  • • Panel is over 25 years old or uses outdated breakers
  • • No available breaker slots for new 240V circuit
  • • Frequent breaker trips or electrical issues
  • • Planning multiple high-power appliances (heat pump, pool, etc.)
2
Types of Electrical Panel Upgrades

Upgrade Options by Current Service

Panel replacement only

Includes:New panel + breakers
Timeline:4-8 hours
Cost:$1,500-$3,000

Service upgrade (100→200A)

Includes:Panel + meter + utility
Timeline:1-3 days
Cost:$2,500-$5,000

Full service upgrade (150→200A)

Includes:Panel + meter + main
Timeline:2-5 days
Cost:$3,000-$6,000

Complete rewiring

Includes:Panel + service + wiring
Timeline:3-7 days
Cost:$8,000-$15,000
3
Detailed Cost Breakdown

200-Amp Service Upgrade Costs

200A electrical panel

Materials:$300-$800
Labor:$500-$1,200
Total:$800-$2,000

Meter base upgrade

Materials:$150-$400
Labor:$300-$600
Total:$450-$1,000

Service entrance cable

Materials:$200-$600
Labor:$400-$800
Total:$600-$1,400

Permits & inspection

Materials:$100-$300
Labor:$200-$400
Total:$300-$700

Utility connection fee

Materials:$200-$500
Labor:$0-$200
Total:$200-$700

Total Project Cost

Materials:$950-$2,600
Labor:$1,400-$3,200
Total:$2,350-$5,800
4
Professional Installation Process

Pre-Installation (1-2 weeks)

  • •Electrical load calculation and system assessment
  • •Permit application and approval process
  • •Utility company coordination and scheduling
  • •Material ordering and delivery scheduling

Installation Day (4-8 hours)

  • •Utility disconnects power at meter (2-4 hours outage)
  • •Remove old panel and install new 200-amp panel
  • •Upgrade meter base and service entrance cables
  • •Reconnect all circuits and restore power

Important Safety Requirements

  • • Must be performed by licensed electrician - DIY installation is illegal and dangerous
  • • Requires electrical permits and inspections in all jurisdictions
  • • Utility company must disconnect and reconnect service
  • • Home insurance may require notification of electrical upgrades
5
Planning Your Upgrade Project

Before You Start

  • •Get 3+ quotes from licensed electricians
  • •Verify contractor licensing and insurance
  • •Check local permit requirements and fees
  • •Plan for 4-8 hour power outage during installation

Money-Saving Tips

  • •Bundle with EV charger installation for better rates
  • •Check for utility rebates on electrical upgrades
  • •Schedule during off-peak seasons (fall/winter)
  • •Consider 30% federal tax credit for EV charger installation
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Calculate Your Costs

Get personalized cost estimates for your electrical panel upgrade and EV charging setup.

Upgrade Quick Stats
Typical Cost:$2,500-$6,000
Installation Time:1-3 days
Power Outage:4-8 hours
Permits Required:Yes