How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Palm Beach County?
An electrical panel upgrade in Palm Beach County typically costs between $1,500 and $4,500 for a standard residential replacement, with larger service upgrades ranging from $2,500 to $6,000 or more depending on scope. Here’s a clear breakdown of what drives those numbers.
What’s Included in an Electrical Panel Upgrade
A typical panel replacement includes:
- Removal of the old panel
- Installation of a new panel of appropriate size and brand
- Transfer of existing circuits to the new panel
- Installation of required AFCI or GFCI breakers per current code
- Accurate circuit labeling
- A permit and final inspection by the building department
What may add cost:
- Upgrading service amperage (100A to 200A, or 200A to 400A)
- Replacing the meter base or service entrance equipment
- Bringing associated work up to current code
- Installing a main disconnect if one isn’t present
- Mast/weatherhead replacement
- Whole-home surge protection installation
Cost Breakdown by Scope
| Scope of Work | Typical Cost Range (Palm Beach County) |
| Panel replacement, same amperage (200A for 200A) | $1,500 – $2,800 |
| Service upgrade: 100A to 200A | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Service upgrade: 200A to 400A | $3,500 – $6,500+ |
| Add whole-home surge protector (during upgrade) | +$250 – $600 |
| Meter base replacement (if required) | +$400 – $1,000 |
Why You Shouldn’t Compare Quotes on Price Alone
When evaluating estimates, the lowest quote isn’t always the best value. Key questions to ask:
- Is the permit included? A legitimate panel upgrade requires a permit and final inspection.
- What panel brand is being used? Quality panels from Siemens, Square D, Eaton, and Leviton carry better warranties.
- Is the service entrance being evaluated? Leaving aging infrastructure in place creates future issues.
- Is arc fault protection included? Current Florida code requires AFCI breakers in most living areas.
When to Combine a Panel Upgrade with Other Work
A panel upgrade is an ideal time to add improvements that are easier and more cost-effective to do concurrently:
- Whole-home surge protection — adds $250–$600 and protects for the life of the panel
- Additional circuits — for EV chargers, hot tubs, or home office additions
- Grounding and bonding updates — often required by current code
If you’re unsure whether a full upgrade is needed, review the signs your panel may need replacing and learn when a panel upgrade is worth it.
For service size questions, please contact one of our experts and we would be happy to go over everything with you in detail.
