If you’re a homeowner in Los Angeles, you’ve likely noticed a surge in electrical panel upgrades happening all throughout the area. With electric vehicles (EVs), modern appliances, and smart home systems demanding more power, upgrading from a 100-amp panel to a 200-amp panel has become a necessity for many households. But how much does an electrical panel upgrade really cost in Los Angeles? And what should you know before getting a quote?
Typical Price Range in Los Angeles
The cost of an electrical panel upgrade in Los Angeles can vary widely based on your home’s age, size, and existing electrical system. Here’s a general breakdown:
100-amp to 200-amp upgrade: $2,500 – $6,500+
100-amp panel upgrade: $1,200 – $3,000
Factors like panel location, wiring conditions, and permit requirements can significantly affect your final price
What Affects the Cost of a Panel Upgrade?
Several factors contribute to the cost of upgrading your electrical panel:
Panel Size: Upgrading to a 200-amp or even a 400-amp panel costs more but prepares your home for future energy demands.
Outdated Systems: Fuse boxes and older panels may require more work to replace.
Meter Socket Replacement: Sometimes, the meter needs upgrading alongside the panel.
Wiring Upgrades: If your home’s wiring is outdated, rewiring may be necessary.
Panel Relocation: Moving the panel to a different location adds labor and materials.
Wall Repairs: Drywall or stucco repairs may be needed after panel installation.
Permits and Inspections: In Los Angeles, permit fees typically range from $200 to $800.
Utility Coordination: Upgrades may require working with LADWP, which can involve additional fees.
When Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Flickering Lights & Frequent Breaker Trips: These are signs your panel is struggling to handle your home’s power demands.
Adding Heavy Appliances: Hot tubs, EV chargers, HVAC systems, and modern kitchen appliances require more power.
EV Chargers: Multiple-car households installing Level 2 EV chargers often find their 100-amp panels insufficient.
Expanding or Remodeling: ADU additions and home expansions require more circuits and power capacity.
Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping?
If you’ve ever had to restart your electrical panel after a breaker trips, it’s likely due to an overload. Modern homes demand more electricity than older panels can provide. EV chargers, air conditioning systems, and kitchen upgrades require higher amperage. Overloading a 100-amp panel can cause frequent breaker trips, risking electrical fires or damage to your appliances.
How to Calculate Your Electrical Load
Understanding your home’s electrical load helps determine the right panel size. Here’s a simplified calculation example:
Add up the wattage of your major appliances (oven, HVAC, water heater, etc.).
Add lighting and general-use circuits (typically 1,500 watts per circuit).
Account for future additions like an EV charger.
Divide the total wattage by 240 (standard residential voltage) to estimate the amperage required.
Sample Calculation:
HVAC: 4,000 watts
Oven: 3,000 watts
Water Heater: 4,500 watts
Lighting & Outlets (10 circuits): 15,000 watts
EV Charger: 7,200 watts
Total: 33,700 watts ÷ 240V = 140.4 amps
This home would already be exceeding a 100-amp panel, making a 200-amp upgrade essential.
Why Is It Hard to Get a Straightforward Price Quote?
Electrical panel upgrade costs vary due to hidden factors like panel location, wall repairs, and permitting. Many companies avoid giving direct quotes until they inspect your property, leaving homeowners frustrated.
Why Prices Vary So Much
Material Quality: Premium brands like Siemens or Square D cost more but offer reliability.
Licensed vs. Unlicensed: Licensed electricians ensure code compliance and safety but may cost more.
Scope of Work: Some quotes exclude necessary upgrades like wiring or meter replacement.
LAProElectrical: Your One-Stop Shop
At LAProElectrical, we simplify the process by offering turnkey panel upgrades. Our team handles everything from permits to installation with no hidden fees or third-party contractors. We also guarantee to beat any competitor’s price by at least 8% (up to 20%). If you’ve already received a quote, upload it here for a better deal.
Good news for Los Angeles homeowners—panel upgrades for EV charger installations often qualify for rebates. Programs like LADWP and SCE offer financial incentives, covering a significant portion of the costs:
200-amp panel upgrade rebate: Up to $1,500 when bundled with an EV charger installation.
Savings: Rebates can reduce your upgrade cost to nearly zero in some cases.
How to Apply: Find rebate forms here.
Added Home Value
A modern 200-amp panel increases your home’s value and appeal to buyers. With the demand for EVs and smart home systems rising, future-proofing your home is a wise investment.
Get a Free Panel Upgrade Quote Online – Upload photos of your panel for a fast, accurate estimate. Start here.
Bundle & Save – Ask about our panel + EV charger combo specials.
Financing Available – Start your panel upgrade today with just $99.
Don’t wait—upgrading your panel now can save you from costly repairs later and unlock valuable rebates. Contact LAProElectrical for a no-obligation quote and discover how we can power up your home for the future.
