HomeRepairCost
Electrical

Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in 2026: 100A to 200A and Beyond

· HomeRepairCost Research Team

Upgrading an electrical panel costs $800–$4,000 in 2026 depending on amperage. The standard 100A→200A upgrade typically runs $1,300–$2,000 installed.

Electrical panel upgrade cost calculator

Select your current panel size and target size for an installed-cost estimate.

Includes panel + professional installation at 2026 national-average rates. Permits, inspection fees, and any service-wire upgrades are extra and vary by area.

Upgrading your electrical panel is one of the most common — and most safety-critical — electrical projects in American homes. In 2026, a panel upgrade typically costs $800 – $4,000 installed, depending on amperage. The most common job, upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps, runs $1,300 – $2,000.

Electrical panel upgrade cost by amperage

Panel sizePanel + installation
100 amps$800 – $1,500
150 amps$1,300 – $1,600
200 amps$1,300 – $2,000
300 amps$1,800 – $3,500
400 amps$2,000 – $4,000

Signs you need an upgrade

  • Breakers trip frequently, or you rely on power strips and extension cords everywhere.
  • You're adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or home addition — 200 amps is the modern standard.
  • Your panel is a fuse box, or uses breakers from a brand with known safety issues.
  • Your home insurer asks about it — some carriers charge more (or decline coverage) for outdated panels.

What affects the price

  • Amperage jump: bigger jumps need heavier-gauge service wiring and sometimes a new meter socket.
  • Panel location: moving the panel, or one buried behind finished walls, adds labor.
  • Permits and inspection: nearly always required; your utility may need to disconnect and reconnect service.
  • Wiring condition: if existing circuits need AFCI/GFCI breakers or rewiring to meet current code, costs rise.

Safety note: panel work is not a DIY project. It involves the main service feed and must be done by a licensed electrician with proper permits and inspection. Expect your power to be off for several hours during the swap — most upgrades are completed in a single day.

Estimate disclaimer: Figures on this page are 2026 US national-average planning ranges, not contractor quotes. Your actual price will vary by region, existing wiring, permit costs, and contractor. Always get written quotes from licensed electricians in your area.

Cost data sources: Angi (2026 electrical panel upgrade guide). Compiled September 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need 200 amps?

200 amps is the modern standard for most single-family homes and comfortably handles central AC, electric dryers and ranges, EV chargers, and workshop equipment. Homes under 100 amps — or with frequent tripping breakers — are the usual upgrade candidates.

How long does a panel upgrade take?

Most straightforward panel swaps are completed in a single day (4–8 hours). Your power will be off during the work, and the utility may need to disconnect/reconnect the service drop.

Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?

Yes, in most areas. Panel upgrades require an electrical permit and inspection, and the work must be performed by a licensed electrician. Unpermitted electrical work can void insurance and complicate a future home sale.