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Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost Calculator
In the market prices we use, replacing a panel with one of the same size costs about $1,500 to $4,000, and upgrading a 100 amp service to 200 amps costs about $2,500 to $6,000. A whole-house surge protector adds about $400 to $800. Pick your job below for an estimate, not a quote.
Typical Northern Virginia market range (not a quote). Service upgrade, 100 A to 200 A: $2,500 to $6,000, plus a whole-house surge protector: $400 to $800.
Estimate covers a new 200 A panel, meter base and service entrance. The utility must cut and restore power, so plan for a day without it.
Not included: moving the panel, grounding fixes, wall repair and permit fees. These can add cost.
This is an estimate for planning. Electrical work needs an expert electrician and, in most places, a permit.
How the calculator works
Pick the job. A same-size replacement puts a new panel in the same spot with the same amps, for example 200 A to 200 A. A service upgrade from 100 A to 200 A also replaces the meter base and the service entrance wires, so it costs more.
The tool adds the surge protector range if you check the box. It shows the total as a low to high range. The numbers come from published market cost guides, not a contractor's price list. The real price comes after an expert electrician sees your panel.
What changes the price
Moving the panel. A panel in a closet, bathroom or too-small space may need to move. That means longer wires and more labor.
Grounding. Older homes may need new ground rods or a new bond to the water pipe (NEC 250.50 to 250.53). This is a common add-on.
New breakers. Circuits that are changed or extended may need AFCI protection (NEC 210.12), and kitchens, baths and other damp areas need GFCI protection (NEC 210.8). These breakers cost more than standard ones.
The utility and the permit. A service upgrade needs the power company to disconnect and reconnect power. Permit fees and inspection timing vary by place.
The calculator does not price moving the panel, grounding work or new breakers. Ask what a price includes.
Do you need 200 amps?
Many homes run fine on 100 A. Adding an EV charger, a heat pump, an electric range or a hot tub can push a 100 A service past its limit. A load calculation (NEC 220.82 for a new service, or 220.83 or 220.87 for an existing home) tells you. Try the panel load calculator first for a quick estimate.
The NEC sets 100 A as the smallest service for a one-family home (NEC 230.79(C)). A 200 A service is the common choice today because it leaves room to add loads.
Why a surge protector is often part of the job
Since the 2020 edition, the NEC requires a surge protective device for the service of a home, and it applies when the service equipment is replaced (NEC 230.67). The 2023 edition keeps the rule. Where your area uses one of those editions, a new panel that is also the service equipment usually needs one. It mounts in or next to the panel and helps protect the whole house from voltage spikes.
Some areas still use older code editions, so check with your local building office. Either way, the add-on is small next to the panel job.
When to call an expert electrician
Call an expert electrician if breakers trip often, the panel feels warm, you see rust or scorch marks, you still have fuses, or you plan to add a big load such as an EV charger or a heat pump. Panel and service work needs a permit and inspection in most places, and the utility must be involved for a service upgrade.
| Job | Without surge protector | With whole-house surge protector |
|---|---|---|
| Same-size panel replacement | $1,500 to $4,000 | $1,900 to $4,800 |
| Service upgrade, 100 A to 200 A | $2,500 to $6,000 | $2,900 to $6,800 |
Worked example: 100 A to 200 A with a surge protector
- The home has a 100 A service and the owner plans an EV charger, so the job is a 100 A to 200 A service upgrade.
- Service upgrade market range: $2,500 to $6,000.
- Whole-house surge protector market range: $400 to $800. Under NEC 230.67 it is usually needed when the service is replaced.
- Low end: $2,500 + $400 = $2,900.
- High end: $6,000 + $800 = $6,800.
- Estimate: about $2,900 to $6,800, before any panel move, grounding work or permit fee.
Panel Upgrade Cost Calculator questions
Short answers to common questions.
How much does it cost to upgrade a panel to 200 amps?
In the market prices we use, a 100 A to 200 A service upgrade runs about $2,500 to $6,000, or about $2,900 to $6,800 with a whole-house surge protector. Moving the panel or fixing the grounding costs more. These are estimates.
How much does it cost to replace an electrical panel?
A same-size replacement, such as 200 A to 200 A, runs about $1,500 to $4,000 in the market prices we use. The number of circuits, the breaker types and the panel's location move the price.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Often one day of work for a same-size swap, and one to two days for a service upgrade, plus the time to schedule the utility and the inspection (estimate). The power is off for part of that time.
Do I need a surge protector with a new panel?
Often, yes. The 2020 and 2023 NEC require a surge protective device when a home's service equipment is replaced (NEC 230.67). Your local code edition decides.
Is 100 amps enough for a house?
Sometimes. Many smaller homes with gas heat do fine on 100 A. Electric heat, an EV charger or a hot tub often need more. A load calculation decides; the panel load calculator gives a quick estimate.
Need an electrician you can trust?
Tell us about the job. We call you back, explain the work in plain words and set a time.