Electrical panel upgrades: 200A and 400A service
Adding solar, a battery, an EV charger, a heat pump or an addition? Suntrify upgrades your main panel and service so the new load is safe — clean work, inspection-ready.
- CSLB #1055498 · B / C-10 / C-46
- C-10 electrical contractor
- U.S. Navy veteran-owned
- Our own licensed crew — no middlemen
Signs your panel may need an upgrade
- You're adding solar, a battery or an EV charger and the panel has no room or capacity.
- Your home has a 100A (or smaller) service, or an older panel with outdated breakers.
- You're planning an addition, ADU, pool, heat pump or new AC.
- Breakers trip often, the panel feels warm, or you see burn marks or corrosion.
200A vs. 400A service
200A is the standard for most modern homes and covers solar plus an EV charger in many cases. 400A service makes sense for larger homes, homes with multiple big loads, or when you're planning several additions at once. We size the service from a real load calculation, not a guess — so you pay for the capacity you need.
What happens during an upgrade
We pull the permit, replace the main panel and service equipment, and coordinate with the utility for the disconnect and reconnect at the meter. Power is off for part of the work, and inspection follows once it's complete. Timing depends on your jurisdiction and utility.
Batteries and backup: If your goal is whole-home battery backup, a meter collar (Tesla Backup Switch or Enphase System Controller) can avoid a panel upgrade in many homes. We'll tell you which route is cheapest for your setup.
Common questions
Do I need a panel upgrade for solar?
Sometimes. It depends on your panel capacity and how the solar connects. Read do I need a panel upgrade for solar? for how we decide, or ask us to check yours.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Often about a day of work, with power off for part of it, plus permit and inspection time. Utility coordination can affect the schedule.
Will the utility be involved?
For a service upgrade, yes. The utility disconnects and reconnects power at the meter. We coordinate that with them.
What does a panel upgrade cost?
It varies with the panel size, the distance to the meter, whether the service needs to move, and permit fees. We give you a written, itemized estimate after looking at the site — request one below.
Related services & guides
Request a panel upgrade estimate
Answer a few quick questions and we'll call you within one business day, usually the same day.