You likely need an upgrade if your home has a 100-amp panel or less, you're planning to add solar, battery backup, or an EV charger, you're adding large appliances like a heat pump or hot tub, your panel is over 30 years old, or it was made by Zinsco, Federal Pacific, or Challenger — all of which are known safety hazards. Frequent breaker trips and no available breaker slots are also clear signs. We inspect your panel during your free assessment and give you a straight answer on what's needed.

A 100-amp service panel was standard in homes built through the 1970s and early 80s. It provides enough capacity for basic lighting, appliances, and HVAC but leaves little room for modern additions. A 200-amp panel doubles that capacity and is now the standard for new construction in Denver. If you're adding solar, an EV charger, a heat pump, or battery backup, 200-amp service is typically required. Some larger homes or those with multiple EV chargers may benefit from 400-amp service.

Possibly. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) covers panel upgrades up to $600 when the upgrade is made as part of a qualifying energy efficiency improvement. If your panel upgrade is part of a solar installation, additional credits may apply. We review all available incentives during your assessment so you don't miss anything.

Most 100-amp to 200-amp upgrades in Denver run between $2,500 and $4,500 fully installed including permits and inspection. Costs vary based on your home's wiring, meter location, and whether additional work is needed. We provide a full itemized quote before any work begins — no surprises.

Yes. All panel upgrade work in Denver requires a permit and inspection. We handle the permit application, schedule the inspection, and coordinate with your utility for any required service upgrades. You don't need to manage any of that separately.

Most panel upgrades are completed in one day. We typically need to schedule a brief power outage with Xcel Energy to complete the service upgrade portion — we coordinate that in advance so you know exactly when to expect it. The outage is usually less than two hours.

Yes, we ask that a homeowner or authorized adult be present for the duration of the installation. This allows us to walk you through the completed work and answer any questions before we leave.

Yes. A modern 200-amp panel is a selling point for buyers, particularly those planning to add solar or an EV charger. Homes with updated electrical infrastructure consistently appraise higher and sell faster than comparable homes with outdated panels. It's one of the few upgrades that pays dividends both in daily use and at resale.