Panel Upgrade Services
Panel Upgrade Services | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Charleston
Charleston’s historic charm is undeniable, but many of its homes and businesses still rely on outdated breaker boxes that struggle to keep up with today’s power-hungry appliances. HEP’s licensed electricians specialize in electric panel upgrades that replace aging, undersized, or unsafe equipment with modern, code-compliant panels built for reliability and growth. From securing the proper permits to the final circuit label, we manage every detail so you can plug in that new HVAC system or EV charger with total peace of mind.
Customers choose HEP for our transparent pricing, same-day service options, and courteous pros who treat every property like their own. We test, tidy, and walk you through the new panel’s features before we leave, ensuring you understand exactly how to maximize safety and efficiency. When flickering lights, tripped breakers, or insurance requirements signal it’s time for an upgrade, let Charleston’s trusted team deliver the lasting power solution your Lowcountry property deserves.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electrical panel in Charleston?
Most Lowcountry homes built before the mid-1990s have 60- to 100-amp panels that were never designed for today’s power demands. Adding central HVAC, tankless water heaters, EV chargers, or a modern kitchen can overload an older panel, leading to nuisance breaker trips, appliance damage, or even electrical fires. A 200-amp (or larger) service upgrade gives you the capacity, circuit space, and modern safety features (AFCI/GFCI breakers, surge protection) required by the current National Electrical Code and Charleston County building ordinances.
How can I tell if my home or business needs an electric panel upgrade?
Common warning signs include: frequent breaker trips or fuses blowing, flickering or dimming lights when large appliances start, warm or buzzing breaker box, rust or corrosion from coastal humidity, and lack of open breaker spaces for new circuits. If the label shows less than 200 amps, contains obsolete brands such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco, or still uses screw-in fuses, you are a strong candidate for an upgrade. We offer free load-calculation assessments to confirm whether your existing service is undersized.
What exactly happens during an electrical panel upgrade and how long will it take?
1) We perform a load calculation, review code requirements, and pull the required City/County permit. 2) On installation day Dominion Energy disconnects power, we remove the old panel and possibly the meter base, upgrade service conductors, install a new 200-amp (or larger) main breaker panel with proper grounding and whole-home surge protection, and label every circuit. 3) A municipal inspector signs off, and the utility reconnects power. Most straightforward residential upgrades are completed in 4–8 hours; larger homes or commercial services may take up to two days, but you can stay in the building for the majority of the process.
Will a panel upgrade really improve safety and increase property value?
Absolutely. A modern panel with AFCI and GFCI breakers significantly reduces the risk of electrical fires and shock. Insurance carriers often offer premium discounts for documented service upgrades, and many real-estate inspectors flag outdated panels as a defect that can delay closings. A code-compliant 200-amp service also future-proofs the property for solar installations, battery storage, and EV charging stations, boosting resale appeal in the Charleston market where energy-efficient features are highly sought after.
Do I need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade in Charleston, and who handles it?
Yes. Both Charleston County and the City of Charleston require a licensed electrical contractor to obtain a permit and schedule inspections for any service change. Our team manages the entire process—application, drawings, and coordination with the Building Inspection Services Department and Dominion Energy—so you stay fully compliant with the latest NEC (2023) and local amendments without lifting a finger.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost, and are there financing or rebates available?
In the Charleston area, a typical 200-amp residential upgrade ranges from $1,800 to $3,500, depending on panel location, meter upgrade requirements, and any needed rewiring. We provide firm, upfront quotes and offer 0% financing for 12 months on approved credit. If the upgrade is paired with solar panels or battery storage, you may qualify for the 30% federal Clean Energy Credit, and both Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper periodically offer rebates for load-management equipment installed at the same time.