What an Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs in Phoenix (2026 Pricing)
A straight answer on what a panel upgrade actually costs in Phoenix, what changes the price, and how to tell whether you need one now or can wait.
7 min read · Desert Boys Electric
Most Phoenix homeowners we quote for an electrical panel upgrade land between $2,800 and $9,500 installed, permit included. That's a wide range, so below is exactly what moves the number — and how to tell whether your panel needs replacing at all.
Typical panel upgrade cost in Phoenix, AZ
- 100A to 200A service change, panel in the same location: $2,800 – $4,500
- 200A upgrade with a new meter combo and mast: $4,200 – $6,500
- Panel relocation (moving it inside to outside, or around a corner): add $900 – $2,000
- 400A service for large or multi-unit homes: $8,000 – $14,000
- Sub-panel added for a garage, casita or shop: $1,100 – $2,600
City of Phoenix electrical permit fees are usually a few hundred dollars and are included in our flat-rate quotes. APS or SRP coordination for the meter disconnect is also handled by us — you should never be the one calling the utility.
What actually drives the price
1. Amperage and load
A proper load calculation decides the service size. Adding an EV charger, a heat pump, a pool, or a casita usually pushes a 100A home to 200A. Sizing up during the upgrade is far cheaper than doing it twice.
2. Meter and mast condition
Arizona sun destroys older meter sockets and weatherheads. If the mast is rusted or undersized, it gets replaced with the panel — that's often the single biggest line item after the panel itself.
3. Grounding and bonding
Homes built before the 1990s frequently lack a modern ground rod array or proper water-pipe bonding. Current code requires it, and inspectors check for it every time.
Signs your panel needs upgrading now
- Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel — both are known failure hazards and many insurers now refuse coverage
- Breakers that trip when the AC and microwave run together
- Any scorch marks, buzzing, or a burning smell at the panel
- Fuses instead of breakers, or a panel with no room left for new circuits
- You're adding an EV charger, pool pump, casita or whole-home AC
How long the work takes
A standard residential service change is a one-day job. Power is off for roughly four to eight hours while we swap the panel and re-land circuits; the inspector typically comes the same day or next morning, then the utility reconnects the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 200 amp panel upgrade cost in Phoenix?
Most 200-amp panel upgrades in Phoenix run $2,800 to $6,500 installed, depending on whether the meter, mast and grounding also need replacing. Permits and utility coordination are included in our flat-rate quote.
Do I need a permit to replace an electrical panel in Phoenix?
Yes. A panel replacement or service change requires an electrical permit and an inspection. A licensed electrical contractor pulls it for you — never allow unpermitted panel work, since it can void insurance and complicate a home sale.
How long will my power be off during a panel upgrade?
Usually four to eight hours for a standard residential service change. We schedule the utility disconnect in the morning so power is normally restored the same day.
Is a Federal Pacific panel dangerous?
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breakers have a documented history of failing to trip under fault conditions. Replacement is strongly recommended, and many Arizona insurers now require it.