The cost of a panel upgrade depends mainly on whether you are replacing only the panel or also increasing your service size, and on what the electrician finds at your home. A same-size panel replacement costs less than a service upgrade, such as going from 100 to 200 amps, which can also need a new meter base, service wires and coordination with your utility. Permits, grounding and bonding updates, and the panel’s location also affect the price. The only accurate number is a written quote after someone looks at your system. You get a written price before every job.
What drives the price
1. Panel replacement or service upgrade
Replacing a panel at the same amperage is the simpler job. A service upgrade raises the power your home can draw, and may include a new meter base, a new service mast or entrance cable, and scheduling with your utility to disconnect and reconnect power.
2. Your utility
Northern Colorado homes are served by different utilities, including Loveland Water and Power, Fort Collins Utilities, Xcel Energy, Poudre Valley REA and United Power. Each has its own service requirements and scheduling, which affect the work and the timeline.
3. Permit and inspection
Panel and service work needs an electrical permit and inspection from your city, town or county. Permit costs and inspection schedules vary by jurisdiction.
4. Grounding, bonding and code updates
A panel upgrade often includes updating grounding and bonding to current standards. Some homes need new grounding electrodes or bonding work as part of the job.
5. Location and access
A panel in a finished wall, a tight closet, or one being relocated takes more labor than an outdoor or open garage panel.
6. What else you are adding
If the upgrade is for an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub or remodel, those circuits are usually priced together with the panel work.
Ways to keep the cost in check
- Find out if you need it. A load calculation may show your current panel can handle what you are adding, or that a subpanel or load management is enough.
- Plan ahead. If an EV charger, heat pump or second EV is likely in the next few years, size the upgrade once.
- Bundle work. Adding circuits while the panel is being replaced costs less than coming back later.
- Check rebates. Some utilities have offered rebates for electrification projects at times; check yours.
Signs you may need a panel upgrade
- Breakers trip often, or lights dim when large appliances start.
- The panel is warm, buzzing or shows scorching.
- You have fuses or a 60–100 amp panel.
- The panel is a brand with known concerns, such as some Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels.
- There are no open spaces for the circuits you want to add.
Get a written price
Every Eggers Electric visit includes the repair, installation or service you called us for, plus the $89 Eggers Safety Inspection. A licensed electrician looks at your panel, service and load and gives you an upfront written price; the $89 is credited toward the job when you go ahead. We are locally owned in Loveland since 1973, and every job is backed by our 2-year workmanship warranty. Call 7 days, 7am–8pm at 970-669-1883 or Schedule Service. More on panel upgrades.
Frequently asked questions
Is a panel upgrade the same as a service upgrade?
No. A panel upgrade replaces the breaker panel. A service upgrade also increases the amperage from the utility and can include a new meter base and service wires.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Timing depends on the job and on permit and utility scheduling. We give you a timeline with your estimate.
Will my power be off during a panel upgrade?
Yes, for part of the work. We tell you ahead of time so you can plan around it.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes. Panel and service work needs an electrical permit and inspection. We pull the permit.