Electrical Panel Upgrades & Replacement in Sacramento

Signs you need a panel upgrade or replacement

• You're adding a big load. An EV charger, heat pump, induction range, hot tub, ADU or solar often needs more capacity than a 100A panel has.
• Breakers trip when two appliances run at once, or the main breaker trips.
• The panel is a Zinsco, Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) or old fuse box. These are the panels home inspectors and insurers flag most.
• There's no room left. Every slot is full, or breakers are doubled up on one terminal.
• You see damage. Rust, scorch marks, a buzzing sound, a warm cover or a burning smell. Call right away for any of these. See troubleshooting & repair.
• A buyer's inspection or your insurer asked for it.

Upgrade, replacement or subpanel: which do you need?

Option	What it is	When it fits
Panel replacement	New panel, same amperage. The utility service stays as it is.	The panel is unsafe or outdated (Zinsco, FPE, fuses) but you have enough capacity.
Service upgrade	More amperage (e.g. 100A → 200A). New panel and usually a new meter/main, with the utility involved.	A load calculation shows you're short on capacity for what you have or plan to add.
Subpanel	A second, smaller panel fed from the main one.	You have capacity but no room for breakers, or you need circuits in a garage, shop or ADU.
Load management	A device that shares capacity between loads, such as an EV charger that slows down when the dryer runs.	You're only slightly short and want to avoid a service upgrade.

We run a load calculation before recommending anything. Sometimes the answer is a smaller, cheaper fix than a full upgrade.

What does a panel upgrade cost in Sacramento?

Approximate Sacramento-area ranges for panel work (permit included)

Job	Approximate range
Panel replacement, same amperage (e.g. Zinsco or FPE swap)	$2,000 – $3,500
Service upgrade 100A → 200A, overhead service	$3,000 – $5,500
Subpanel install (garage, ADU, shop)	$1,200 – $3,000

These are approximate ranges, not quotes. They're based on typical Sacramento-area jobs. Your price depends on what we find at your home: panel condition, distance, access and permit fees. Underground services, panel relocations and utility-required upgrades can cost significantly more. You'll get a clear price before any work starts.

What moves the price:

• Amperage and equipment. A same-size swap costs less than a 100A → 200A service change with a new meter/main.
• Overhead vs underground service. Underground laterals and utility requirements can add work.
• Location. Moving the panel, or a panel set into stucco, means extra wall repair.
• Grounding and bonding. Older homes often need new ground rods or bonding to meet today's code.
• Permit and utility fees. These are included in our quote so there are no surprises.

How a panel upgrade works

1. Walkthrough and load calculation. We look at the panel, meter, grounding and what you plan to add, then size the service.
2. Clear, upfront price. Scope, equipment and price spelled out before we start.
3. Permit. We pull it from the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County or your city.
4. Utility coordination. We schedule the disconnect and reconnect with SMUD, PG&E or Roseville Electric. Service upgrades sometimes need the utility's approval first, which adds lead time.
5. Install day. Power goes off, the new panel goes in, and circuits are moved over and labeled.
6. Inspection and reconnect. The inspector signs off, power is restored and you get a labeled panel directory.

Zinsco, Federal Pacific and other panels worth replacing

Planning for an EV, heat pump or solar

If you're electrifying, size the panel once for everything you plan to add, not just this year's project. A few things we check:

• EV charging. A 48A charger needs a 60A circuit. That alone can push a 100A service over the limit. See EV charger installation.
• Solar. Code limits how much solar can back-feed a panel based on the bus rating. A panel with a higher-rated bus, such as 225A with a 200A main, leaves more room for solar.
• Smart panels. Panels like SPAN or Leviton's smart panel can manage loads and sometimes avoid a service upgrade.

Where we do panel work

We do panel upgrades throughout Sacramento and nearby cities, including Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Natomas, El Dorado Hills, Rocklin and Davis.

Panel upgrade FAQ