Electrical Panel Upgrade Quotes: How to Compare Them

Panel upgrade quotes often look similar until you read the details. The biggest price differences come from what happens outside the panel.

Same size, same panel?

Check the amperage (for example 100A vs. 200A), the brand and the number of breaker spaces. More spaces leave room for future circuits like an EV charger or heat pump.

Is the service being replaced?

Some quotes only replace the panel. Others also replace the meter base and the cable from the utility. That can be a large part of the price, so make sure every quote says which it includes.

Breakers and code updates

Ask how many breakers are included, and whether the arc-fault (AFCI) and ground-fault (GFCI) breakers the inspector may require are priced in. Ask about grounding and bonding updates too.

The utility and the permit

A panel upgrade almost always needs a permit and inspection, and the power company usually has to disconnect and reconnect service. Ask who schedules each step.

Get a typical price range from the cost estimator and send electricians the same scope with the quote request template.