How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?

Panel upgrade costs vary based on the panel amperage (100A to 200A is the most common upgrade), whether your meter main or service entrance also needs upgrading, and your local permit fees. We provide free estimates so you know the full cost before any work begins. Call (714) 756-1574 to schedule one.

Do I need to upgrade my panel for solar or an EV charger?

It depends on your current panel capacity and available breaker slots. Many older Orange County homes have 100-amp panels that need upgrading to 200 amps for solar, EV chargers, or heat pumps. We assess your panel during the estimate and tell you honestly whether an upgrade is needed.

Why are Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels dangerous?

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels have a documented history of breakers failing to trip during an overload, which can lead to overheating and fire. If your home has one, we strongly recommend replacement. We can inspect it and confirm the brand during a free estimate.

How long does a panel upgrade take?

The physical panel replacement is typically completed in one day. The full process — including permit, scheduling, and city inspection — usually takes one to two weeks from start to finish.

Will I lose power during the upgrade?

Yes, power is typically off for four to eight hours during the physical panel swap. We schedule this in advance and work efficiently to minimize downtime. We will let you know exactly what to expect before we begin.

Electrical Panel Upgrades in Huntington Beach, CA

Electrical panel upgrades in Orange County — replace outdated panels, add capacity, and meet modern safety codes.

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system — and if it is outdated, undersized, or unsafe, everything downstream suffers. OC Electric & Solar upgrades and replaces electrical panels for homeowners across Huntington Beach and Orange County, bringing homes up to modern capacity and safety standards. Whether you are adding solar, an EV charger, or a heat pump — or you just have a 100-amp panel that cannot keep up with today's loads — we do clean, permitted, inspection-ready upgrades backed by CSLB License #1080439.

What's Included

100A to 200A service upgrades

Replace undersized panels with 200-amp service to handle modern household loads — solar, EV chargers, AC, and more.

Federal Pacific & Zinsco panel replacement

Remove known-defective panels that pose fire risks and replace them with modern, safe, code-compliant equipment.

Sub-panel installation

Add a sub-panel for a garage, ADU, or addition without overloading your main panel.

Solar-ready panel upgrades

Upgrade your panel to accommodate a future or current solar system with a solar-ready main breaker.

EV charger panel prep

Ensure your panel has the capacity and breaker space for a Level 2 EV charger before installation day.

Meter main & service entrance upgrades

Replace outdated meter sockets and service entrance conductors when required for a panel upgrade.

Signs You Need Electrical Panel Upgrades

Your panel is 100 amps or less and you are adding solar, an EV, or a heat pump

Breakers trip regularly when running multiple appliances

Your panel is a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Sylvania brand known for defects

There is rust, corrosion, or burning marks on or near the panel

You do not have enough breaker slots for new circuits

Your panel is over 25 years old and has never been inspected

Our Process

Load calculation & estimate

We perform a proper load calculation to determine the right panel size for your home, then give you upfront pricing for the full upgrade.

Permit & utility coordination

We pull the permit from your city and coordinate with SCE for any service upgrade work that involves the meter or service entrance.

Safe panel replacement

We safely disconnect power, remove the old panel, install the new panel and breakers, and label every circuit clearly — all to NEC and California Electrical Code.

Inspection & energization

We schedule the city inspection, verify everything passes, and re-energize your new panel with clean, safe, reliable power.

Why Choose OC Electric & Solar

CSLB Licensed #1080439 — experienced in service upgrades and panel replacements

Proper load calculations — we size your panel for today and tomorrow

Permits pulled and inspections scheduled — everything is legal and documented

Known-defective panel expertise — Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Sylvania replacements

Upfront pricing with no surprise change orders

Reviews

What Orange County Customers Say

"Lucian was the best electrician we've had in years. The job was well done at a very competitive price, and we'll call again for future needs."

John Campbell

"Very professional and clean. I really appreciated this company and strongly recommend them to my friends."

Mary Widdop

See our reviews on Google

Electrical Panel Upgrades FAQs

How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?: Panel upgrade costs vary based on the panel amperage (100A to 200A is the most common upgrade), whether your meter main or service entrance also needs upgrading, and your local permit fees. We provide free estimates so you know the full cost before any work begins. Call (714) 756-1574 to schedule one.
Do I need to upgrade my panel for solar or an EV charger?: It depends on your current panel capacity and available breaker slots. Many older Orange County homes have 100-amp panels that need upgrading to 200 amps for solar, EV chargers, or heat pumps. We assess your panel during the estimate and tell you honestly whether an upgrade is needed.
Why are Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels dangerous?: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok and Zinsco panels have a documented history of breakers failing to trip during an overload, which can lead to overheating and fire. If your home has one, we strongly recommend replacement. We can inspect it and confirm the brand during a free estimate.
How long does a panel upgrade take?: The physical panel replacement is typically completed in one day. The full process — including permit, scheduling, and city inspection — usually takes one to two weeks from start to finish.
Will I lose power during the upgrade?: Yes, power is typically off for four to eight hours during the physical panel swap. We schedule this in advance and work efficiently to minimize downtime. We will let you know exactly what to expect before we begin.

Get a Free Estimate for Electrical Panel Upgrades

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Call now for a free estimate, or fill out our quick contact form. We respond fast — usually within the hour during business hours.

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