Electrical Panel Upgrade
If your home is running on a 100-amp panel, you may already be hitting its limits. Modern households — with EV chargers, home offices, air conditioning, and smart appliances — routinely push older panels past their capacity. Wilson Electric upgrades residential and commercial electrical panels throughout Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and the surrounding Orange County area.
Every upgrade is performed by Wilson Electric. Our certified Electricians have over 20 years of combined experience and operate under a California C10 Electrical Contractors License (#1108912). We pull all required permits, coordinate the utility disconnect, and schedule the city inspection — so you don't have to manage any of it.
When do you need a Panel Upgrade?
Your panel may need an upgrade if you're experiencing any of the following:
- Breakers that trip frequently or won't reset
- Lights that flicker when large appliances run
- A fuse box (not a breaker panel) still in service
- Planning to add an EV charger or hot tub
- Adding square footage or an ADU to your home
- Your current panel is 100 amps and your home is over 1,500 sq ft
- You have an older Zinsco, or Federal Pacific Stablok panel - Which is commonly required to be replaced by your home insurance provider.
What's Included in a Wilson Electric Panel Upgrade?
Site assessment. We start with a load calculation to confirm what your home actually needs — 200A is standard for most modern homes, but larger homes or those with whole-home EV charging may need 400A or more.
Permit pulling. We handle all permit applications with the city. Permitted work protects your home's resale value and ensures compliance with current NEC code.
Installation. The old panel is de-energized, removed, and replaced with a new breaker panel. All circuits are reconnected, labeled, and tested. Most installs are completed in a single day.
Inspection. We schedule and pass the city electrical inspection before calling the job complete.
Cleanup. Your electrical area is left clean, with a neatly labeled circuit directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a panel upgrade cost in Costa Mesa?
Most residential main service panel upgrades in the Orange County area run between $3,500 and $5,500 as of 2026. The range depends on the size of the new panel, permit fees, and any additional work required (such as replacing the meter base or upgrading grounding). Contact us for a free on-site quote.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most panel upgrades take one full day. Power is off for approximately 4–8 hours during the installation. We coordinate with the utility company in advance to minimize downtime.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in California?
Yes. A permit is required for panel upgrades in Costa Mesa and throughout California. Wilson Electric handles the permit application and inspection coordination as part of every job.
Will a panel upgrade increase my home's value?
Yes. An upgraded panel is considered a positive disclosure in California real estate transactions and can make your home more attractive to buyers, particularly those interested in EV charging or home additions.
Can I receive rebates?
Residents may be eligible for up to $4,200 in rebates through Southern California Edison's (SCE) Charge Ready Home program for panel upgrades.
Can you upgrade my panel if I'm adding an ADU?
Yes. ADU additions almost always require a panel upgrade to support the additional electrical load. We work with general contractors and homeowners on ADU projects throughout Orange County.
Ready to Upgrade?
#1 Panel Upgrade Specialist in Orange County!
Call **714-955-1472** or use the contact form located at the top of our site to schedule a free on-site assessment.
We serve Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, and the surrounding Orange County area.
Wilson Electric | C10 #1108912 | Licensed, Bonded & Insured