Electrical Panel Upgrades

Dollars & Sense

• Federal tax credits. Get tax credits on your electric panel upgrades when paired with the installation of a clean energy product such as a heat pump or EV charging station.
• Electric panel upgrades typically cost between $1,000 and $2,500. The number of circuits you add to your panel, length of wiring need, and ease of access behind walls can all affect your project cost.
• Make panel upgrades more cost-effective when you coordinate your electrical work with other remodeling projects. For example, if you are already tearing down the walls, it will be significantly easier for an electrician to run new wire.
• Depending on your current electric service from your utility and the amount of new electricity demand you will need, you may need to contact your utility about a service upgrade. This can be an additional cost.
• Save energy (and money) with smart panel and smart circuit technologies that direct more electricity where it is needed.

Benefits & Considerations

• Preparation: Get your home ready for an electric future with products like cold-climate heat pumps, induction stoves, and solar panels.
• Safety: Make sure your electrical work follows safety best practices when upgrading your home. Some homes still have old wiring and outdated electric panels with overloaded circuits.
• New Options: Today’s electric panels have more options capacity and demand management than older models. Ask your electrician about smart panels or sharing devices to make your panel as efficient as possible.
• Peace of Mind: Feel secure knowing that your panel is ready to handle your electricity usage.

Questions for Your Contractor

• Is my current electric panel sufficient enough to add new appliances? Are you able to combine any existing circuits to help optimize my electrical use?
• Is my house properly wired for the new products I am considering, such as a heat pump or an EV charging station?
• How will the addition of solar panels affect my house’s wiring and electric panel?
• Do I need any new 240V outlets for any of the products I am considering?
• Does my electricity service need to be upgraded?
• Do you install smart panels or smart circuit technologies?
• Can you please provide references? 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my panel upgrades qualify for tax credits?

Electric panel upgrades can qualify for federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) when they are recommended by a contractor to help complete a qualifying clean energy upgrade.

How can I tell if my electric panel has enough capacity?

• Most all-electric homes need a 200 amp electric panel. To see how many amps your electric panel has, check the main switch, usually at the top of your panel board. If it is labeled “200A” or “200 amps,” you should be good to go. Most newer homes or homes that have been recently rewired should have a 200 amp electric panel already installed.
• Check to make sure there are plenty of open circuits on your electric panel. Keep in mind that some of your new modern electric appliances will simply replace the appliances that are currently taking up circuits on your panel.
• Before making any changes or installing new major appliances, always work with a licensed electrician to ensure a safe project.

Can’t I just plug my new equipment and appliances into the wall?

Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. For example, some products may require new 240V outlets to be installed. Always work with a licensed electrician to make sure your house is ready to power your new modern electric equipment.

Can I optimize my current panel without major upgrades?

If you already have a 200 amp panel, you may be able to get away with minor changes to prepare your panel for switching to modern, efficient electric appliances.