Whether you’re facing electrical issues or simply need more power in your home or business, our team of experienced electricians is here to help. We specialize in panel upgrades and can assess your current electrical panel to recommend the best upgrade options to suit your specific needs.
Upgrading your electrical panel can provide several benefits, including improved electrical capacity, increased safety, and more efficient energy usage. At Fast Handy Electric, we work closely with our clients to determine the best upgrade options to fit their budget and ensure that their electrical system is up-to-date and running smoothly.
Don’t let outdated or inadequate electrical panels hold you back. Contact us today to learn more about our panel upgrade services and how we can help improve the functionality and safety of your electrical system. Trust Fast Handy Electric for all your electrical needs in the Bay Area.
1. Assess Your Needs: Determine the required amperage (e.g., 200A or 400A) based on your planned electrical load.
2. Hire a Licensed Electrician: They will evaluate your current system and design the upgrade.
3. Obtain Permits: Apply for the necessary permits from your local building department.
4. Coordinate with PG&E: Submit your plans to PG&E’s Building and Renovation Service for approval.
5. Schedule the Upgrade: PG&E will disconnect and reconnect your service on the scheduled date.
6. Final Inspection: A building inspector will verify that the work complies with safety standards.
● Overhead Panel Upgrade Costs: Typically range from $5,200 to $8,500 for a 200A panel.
● Timeline: The process can take several months, depending on PG&E’s workload and the specifics of your project.
An underground panel upgrade replaces or increases the capacity of your existing main electrical panel, which is connected to PG&E via underground service conductors. This is typically done when:
● You upgrade from 100A to 200A or more
● You switch to an all-electric home (heat pump, EV charger, induction cooktop, etc.)
● You add solar panels or an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
● Your current panel is outdated, unsafe, or overloaded
They will:
● Assess your current load
● Determine if your underground service and meter base need upgrading
● Create an electrical load calculation and single-line diagram
Go to the PG&E Building and Renovation Services portal and:
● Submit your project (panel upgrade, new load, etc.)
● Include plans and load calculations
🔧 Note: PG&E will determine if the underground lateral must be replaced. If so, they may trench to your property line — anything beyond that is your responsibility.
Apply for a permit with your local city or county building department (e.g., City of San Jose).
Once approved:
● PG&E will schedule a site inspection
● Your electrician will coordinate a cut and reconnect (C&R) date with PG&E
If the conduit needs to be replaced:
● You (or your contractor) will need to dig a trench, install a new conduit, and possibly upgrade the meter socket location
● PG&E will pull the new service conductors from the transformer to your meter
● Electrician prep and permitting: 1–3 weeks
● PG&E service planning & approval: 4–8+ weeks
● Scheduling construction work: Depends on PG&E backlog
● Total project: Expect 2–12 months minimum
