Short answer: A panel upgrade replaces or enlarges your breaker panel so the house can safely carry more load, most often moving to 200 amps for an EV charger, pool or larger AC. Call 602-835-5455 and we'll connect you with an independent contractor who does panel and service work in Maricopa.
Signs you may need a panel upgrade or replacement
- You're adding an EV charger, pool, spa, electric range or a larger heat pump
- Breakers trip often, or feel warm
- There's no space left for new circuits
- The panel shows rust, scorching or water staining
- Your home has an older panel brand that inspectors or insurers have flagged
- A load calculation shows you're near the service's limit
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Prices vary with amperage, whether the meter and service entrance change, wall and stucco repair, and utility coordination. Published Arizona and national cost guides commonly put a 100A-to-200A upgrade somewhere between about $1,500 and $5,500 all-in, with simple panel swaps at the lower end and full service changes at the higher end. Permit fees are extra and set by your city or county.
These are planning numbers only. Get a written quote from the contractor that lists the panel, labor, permit, utility work and any patching.
Can you upgrade a panel without rewiring the house?
Usually, yes. A panel upgrade replaces the panel and often the service entrance; the existing branch circuits are reconnected to the new panel. Rewiring is only needed if the existing wiring is damaged, undersized or unsafe. See rewiring for when that applies.
Permits and the utility
A panel or service change needs a permit and inspection. In the City of Maricopa that's issued by the City; in unincorporated areas such as Hidden Valley it's Pinal County. If the meter or service entrance changes, the contractor also coordinates the disconnect and reconnect with your utility; for most Maricopa homes that's Electrical District No. 3 (ED3).
Is there a tax credit for a panel upgrade?
Not any more for most homeowners. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C), which covered some panel upgrades, ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. The home EV charger credit (30C) ended for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. Check with a tax professional, and ask your utility about any current rebates.
Circuit breaker replacement
A single breaker that won't reset, trips under light load, or is warm to the touch can often be replaced without changing the whole panel, as long as replacement breakers are still made for that panel. If they aren't, a panel replacement becomes the safer option.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The work itself is usually a single day with the power off for several hours. Permitting and utility scheduling can add one to three weeks.
Can a homeowner upgrade their own electrical panel?
Arizona's owner-builder rules may allow it on your own home, but it still needs a permit and inspection, and the utility has to disconnect service. Most people hire a licensed electrical contractor for safety and insurance reasons.
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. A load calculation will show whether your existing service can handle a Level 2 charger. Many 200A homes can; many 100A–150A homes can't without changes.