Panel Upgrade Pricing
If you’re considering upgrading your electrical panel, one of the first questions you probably have is “How much is this going to cost?”
The short answer: it depends — but not for the reasons most homeowners think.
In this guide, we’ll break down realistic electrical panel upgrade costs in North Carolina, explain what actually affects pricing, and help you understand what you’re paying for when a licensed electrician replaces your panel.
Average Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs in North Carolina
While every home is different, most homeowners in North Carolina can expect electrical panel upgrade pricing to fall within these general ranges:
Typical Price Ranges
100-Amp to 200-Amp Panel Upgrade: $2,500 – $4,500
200-Amp Panel Replacement (Same Size): $2,000 – $3,800
Panel Relocation or Major Service Upgrade: $4,500 – $7,500+
These ranges reflect permitted, code-compliant installations — not shortcuts or handyman work.
What Actually Determines the Cost of a Panel Upgrade?
Panel replacement isn’t just swapping a metal box on the wall. Several factors impact the final price:
1. Panel Size & Electrical Demand
Larger panels (200A and above) require:
Heavier conductors
Larger breakers
More labor and coordination
Homes adding EV chargers, hot tubs, generators, or HVAC upgrades often require a service upgrade, not just a panel swap.
2. Permit & Inspection Requirements
In North Carolina, electrical panel upgrades require permits and inspections through the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Permits ensure:
Safe installation
Proper grounding and bonding
Compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC)
Any contractor skipping permits is cutting corners — and risking your safety and insurance coverage.
3. Meter Base, Service Mast & Grounding
Many older homes need:
Meter base replacement
Service mast repairs
Updated grounding electrode systems
These items are often not optional once an inspection begins and must meet current code.
4. Panel Location & Accessibility
Pricing is affected by:
Indoor vs outdoor panels
Tight utility rooms or finished walls
Need for drywall repair or exterior work
Easy access = lower labor time.
5. Type of Panel Installed
Standard breaker panels and smart electrical panels differ significantly in price and functionality.
Smart panels offer:
Real-time energy monitoring
Load management for EVs and generators
App-based control and alerts
They cost more upfront but add long-term value.
Why Online “Average Prices” Are Often Misleading
Many websites advertise panel upgrades for extremely low prices. These numbers often:
Exclude permits
Ignore grounding upgrades
Assume ideal conditions
Don’t include inspection corrections
A true panel upgrade must be:
Permitted
Inspected
Properly load-calculated
Installed by a licensed electrician
Anything less is a liability.
Flat-Rate Pricing vs Time & Material
At O’Keefe’s Electrical, we use flat-rate pricing for panel upgrades.
Why Flat-Rate Is Better for Homeowners:
No surprise charges
No clock-watching
Clear scope of work
Permits included
Inspection corrections covered
Time-and-material pricing often leads to uncertainty — especially when inspections require additional updates.
Financing Options Are Available
Panel upgrades are an investment in safety and home value. Financing options allow homeowners to:
Spread costs over time
Move forward with safety upgrades sooner
Avoid delaying necessary electrical work
Ask about available payment options during your evaluation.
Is a Panel Upgrade Worth the Cost?
For most homeowners, yes — especially if:
Your panel is outdated
Breakers trip frequently
You’re adding major electrical loads
You’re selling or renovating your home
A modern panel increases safety, reliability, and future capacity.
Schedule a Professional Panel Evaluation
The best way to get an accurate price is with a licensed electrical panel evaluation, which includes:
Load calculation
Panel condition assessment
Grounding review
Code compliance check