How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?
Updated October 9, 2026
Upgrading to a 200-amp electrical panel typically costs $1,300 to $2,000 for the panel and installation, or about $1,550 to $3,100 once you add a new meter box and a permit. Going to 400 amps costs up to about twice as much. A panel upgrade is often the hidden first step in an electrification project, because an EV charger, heat pump, or induction range can each need capacity an older panel doesn't have.
Panel upgrade cost by amperage
| Service size | Panel + 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 |
These are installed prices from Angi's 2026 cost data. The panel itself is a small part of the total — a 200-amp panel runs a few hundred dollars — and most of the cost is the electrician's time, typically four to eight hours.
What else adds to the cost
| Item | Typical cost | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Meter box | $200–$800 | Usually when moving to a higher amperage |
| Subpanel | $400–$1,750 | Extra circuits for a garage, EV charger, or addition |
| Permit | $50–$300 | Required almost everywhere for panel work |
A new 200-amp panel only delivers 200 amps if the meter box and the service wires feeding it are rated to match, which is why the meter box is so often part of the job. Your utility may also need to upgrade the service line to the house, which it may charge for separately. Relocating the panel, rewiring old circuits, and patching drywall add to the bill too.
Signs you need an upgrade
- You're adding a large electric load: an EV charger, heat pump, induction range, or electric water heater.
- Breakers trip often, or there are no open slots left for new circuits.
- The home still has 60- or 100-amp service, or an old fuse box.
- The panel is a brand with a known safety history, such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco, which electricians commonly recommend replacing.
An electrician can do a load calculation to tell you whether your current service can handle what you're planning before you commit to an upgrade.
Why there's no federal tax credit to factor in
The Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit used to cover part of a panel upgrade (up to $600) when it was done to support other qualifying improvements, such as a heat pump. That credit expired for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, so cost guides that still mention it are out of date.
Sources
Open the Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost Calculator →
More guides
Figures are estimates based on published national data and are not a quote. Actual costs vary by region, contractor, and materials.