An electrical panel upgrade replaces an old or undersized panel, often going from 100 to 200 amps, so your home can safely run EV chargers, heat pumps and modern appliances. In Orange County a typical 100A to 200A upgrade costs about $3,000 to $6,000, and more if the meter or service must move. Call 657-201-1586 to get connected with a licensed electrician.
Signs you need a panel upgrade
- Your home has a 60A or 100A service and you are adding an EV charger, heat pump, induction range, spa or ADU
- Breakers trip often or the panel feels warm
- The panel is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco or another brand your insurer questions
- Rust or corrosion on the panel or meter (common near the coast)
- No open spaces for new circuits, or lots of tandem breakers
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Orange County?
Prices depend on amperage, whether the meter moves, utility coordination and how much drywall or stucco work is needed. These are ballpark ranges for planning, not quotes.
| Job | Typical Orange County range |
|---|---|
| Panel replacement, same amperage | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| 100A to 200A upgrade, meter stays in place | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Upgrade with service relocation or underground work | $6,000 – $12,000+ |
| Sub panel installation | $1,500 – $4,500 |
Permit fees vary by city. The utility (SCE, SDG&E or Anaheim Public Utilities) must disconnect and reconnect service, which affects scheduling.
What electrical panels are uninsurable in California?
No law bans specific panels, but many insurers decline or surcharge homes with Federal Pacific Electric (Stab-Lok), Zinsco or Sylvania-Zinsco, and some older Challenger and Pushmatic panels, because of known failure and overheating problems. If a home inspector or insurer flags your panel, a replacement is usually the fix.
Is a 100 amp panel up to code?
A 100-amp service is not automatically a code violation. What matters is the load calculation. Many Orange County homes were built with 100A service, but once you add an EV charger, a heat pump or an ADU, the calculation often calls for 200A. An electrician can run the numbers for your home.
Can you upgrade a panel without rewiring the house?
Yes. A panel upgrade replaces the panel and service equipment, and existing circuits are reconnected to the new panel. Rewiring is only needed if the existing wiring is unsafe, such as deteriorated knob and tube. See rewiring.
Tax credits and rebates
The federal tax credits that once helped with panel upgrades ended under 2025 federal legislation. Utility and state programs come and go, so ask your electrician to check current SCE, SDG&E or Anaheim Public Utilities programs before you sign.
What the upgrade process looks like
- Load calculation and quote
- Permit from your city's building department
- Utility disconnect, panel swap and reconnect, often in one day
- City inspection and utility release
Upgrading or replacing a service now also requires a whole-house surge protector under the California Electrical Code.
Electrical Panel Upgrade across Orange County
We connect callers with electricians for electrical panel upgrade in every Orange County city, including:
- Irvine
- Lake Forest
- Anaheim
- Huntington Beach
- Fullerton
- Costa Mesa
- Westminster
- Santa Ana
- Mission Viejo
- San Clemente
- Garden Grove
- Laguna Niguel
- Laguna Beach
- Laguna Hills
- Newport Beach
- Tustin
- Orange
- Brea
- Aliso Viejo
- Dana Point
- Yorba Linda
- La Habra
- Rancho Santa Margarita
- San Juan Capistrano
- Fountain Valley
- Buena Park
- Placentia
- Los Alamitos
- Ladera Ranch
- Villa Park
- Seal Beach
- Stanton
- La Palma
- Newport Coast
- Cypress
Last updated October 2026. Prices are planning ranges, not quotes. Your contractor confirms the price before work begins.