An electrical panel upgrade costs $1,500–$4,000 in the US for a standard 100-to-200-amp upgrade, with complex jobs reaching $6,000+. In Poland, expect PLN 3,000–8,000 and in the Netherlands €1,500–€5,000. Upgrading your panel increases your home's electrical capacity to safely handle modern appliances, EV chargers, and HVAC systems.
Average panel upgrade costs
| Project type | Typical cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Replace breakers only (no panel swap) | $200–$500 |
| 100-amp to 200-amp panel upgrade | $1,500–$4,000 |
| 200-amp to 400-amp upgrade | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Add a subpanel (60–100 amp) | $500–$2,000 |
| Meter + panel combo (meter-main) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Replace Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel | $2,000–$4,500 |
Sources: HomeAdvisor 2025, Angi, NFPA data.
Panel upgrade costs in the Netherlands
Dutch panel (groepenkast) replacement costs €1,500–€5,000 including BTW. A standard 1-phase upgrade with 12–16 groups runs €1,500–€3,000. Upgrading to 3-phase for EV charging or heat pumps costs €2,500–€5,000, plus potential network operator (Liander, Stedin, Enexis) fees for a heavier connection. Modern groepenkasten include aardlekschakelaars (RCDs) and per-group MCBs.
Dutch installations must meet NEN 1010 standards. After major work, an inspection (NEN 3140) is recommended. Use an erkend installateur for warranty and insurance compliance.
What affects the cost?
- Amperage increase — jumping from 100A to 200A is standard; 400A upgrades for large homes or shops cost significantly more
- Utility coordination — the power company may need to upgrade the meter, service entrance cable, or the feed from the transformer, adding $500–$2,000+
- Code compliance — older panels may need grounding upgrades, AFCI/GFCI breakers, and updated wiring to meet current NEC requirements
- Panel brand and type — standard panels cost $300–$600; smart panels with load management (Span, Lumin) cost $3,000–$6,000+ for the hardware alone
- Location of the panel — exterior relocations or moving a panel to a new wall adds labor and materials
- Permits and inspections — required in virtually all US jurisdictions; typically $75–$300
How to save on panel upgrade costs
- Get 3+ quotes — panel upgrade pricing varies 25–40% between electricians
- Combine with other electrical work — adding circuits during a panel upgrade is cheaper than a separate visit later
- Standard panels over smart panels — a standard 200A panel is $300–$600 vs $3,000–$6,000 for a smart panel; only choose smart if you need solar/battery/EV load management
- Handle utility coordination early — meter and service upgrades from the utility can delay the project weeks; start early
- Check rebate programs — many utilities offer rebates for panel upgrades tied to electrification (heat pumps, EV chargers)
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
Electrical panel upgrades run $1,500–$4,000 in the US, with most jobs at $2,500. Going from 100 amp to 200 amp is the most common upgrade. Going to 400 amp service or relocating the panel pushes costs to $4,000–$8,000+. Permits and inspection add $100–$500.
Do I need to upgrade my panel?
Yes if: you have 100 amp service in a home built before 1980, you're adding AC/EV charger/hot tub, panel is rusty or has burn marks, or you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel (these are fire hazards regardless of age). Modern homes with electric appliances should have at least 200 amp service.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most panel upgrades take 6–10 hours of work, but the project spans 1–2 days because power must be shut off, the utility has to disconnect/reconnect service, and inspection is required. You'll be without power for 4–8 hours during the actual upgrade.
Why are panel upgrades so expensive?
Three main costs: coordinating with the utility company (free but requires scheduling), the panel itself ($300–$800), and labor for re-terminating every circuit, pulling permits, and passing inspection. Older homes with cloth or aluminum wiring may need additional work, pushing costs to $5,000+.