Signs you need electrical panel upgrade
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to talk to a pro.
- Breakers trip frequently
- Planning to add solar or battery storage
- Need to install an EV charger
- Your panel is 100 amps or less
- Fuse box instead of circuit breakers
- Home was built before 1980
How it works
Our process is simple and stress-free.
- 1
Electrical Assessment
We evaluate your current panel, wiring, and energy needs to determine the right upgrade path — whether it's a simple panel swap or a full service upgrade.
- 2
Permit & Utility Coordination
We handle all permits and coordinate with PNM for the temporary disconnect and reconnection.
- 3
Panel Installation
Our licensed electricians install your new panel, reroute circuits, and ensure everything meets current NEC code.
- 4
Inspection & Activation
City inspection, PNM reconnection, and full system testing. We verify every circuit is properly labeled and functioning.
$0 Down Financing Available
Most homeowners qualify for $0 down financing with monthly payments as low as their current energy bill. Multiple financing options available.
Subject to credit approval. Terms vary by project type.
Get Your Free EstimateAn electrical panel upgrade in Albuquerque costs $2,500–$6,000 and takes 1–3 days to complete, including permitting and inspection. Most homes built before 2000 have 100-amp panels that cannot safely support solar, battery storage, or EV charging — a 200-amp or larger panel is required for modern energy demands. Epex handles the full process with licensed electricians, including PNM coordination, city permits, and integration with new or existing solar systems.
Why Panel Upgrades Matter
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. If it's undersized or outdated, it becomes the bottleneck that prevents you from adding solar, battery storage, or EV charging.
Many Albuquerque homes built before 2000 have 100-amp panels that simply can't handle modern energy demands. Adding solar to an undersized panel isn't just impractical — it can be a safety hazard.
When You Need an Upgrade
A panel upgrade is typically required when:
- Adding solar — Solar systems need dedicated breaker space and often require 200+ amp service
- Installing batteries — Battery backup systems need their own circuits and sometimes a critical load subpanel
- EV charging — Level 2 EV chargers draw 30-50 amps, which older panels can't spare
- Your panel is a known hazard — Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and some Challenger panels have documented fire risks
The Epex Advantage
Because we install solar, batteries, and panels, we design the entire electrical system together. This means fewer permits, fewer inspections, and a system that's built right from the start — not retrofitted piecemeal by different contractors.
What our customers say
Epex handled our solar installation and roof replacement as one project. They found hail damage we didn't know about, got our insurance claim approved, and installed a beautiful new roof with solar panels on top. One team, one timeline, zero headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but often. If your panel is 100 amps or less, or if it's a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand (known safety hazards), you'll need an upgrade before solar installation. We assess this during your free solar consultation.
The physical work usually takes one day. Your power will be off for 4-8 hours during the swap. Total project time including permits is typically 1-3 days.
Most modern homes need a 200-amp panel. If you're adding solar, battery storage, and EV charging, we may recommend a 225-amp or 400-amp panel to handle everything comfortably.
Yes, and this is the most cost-effective approach. We bundle the panel upgrade with your solar installation so you only go through the permitting and inspection process once.
Panel upgrades typically cost $2,500-$6,000 depending on the scope. A straightforward 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade is on the lower end, while upgrading service from the utility pole and adding a critical load subpanel for battery backup costs more. We provide free assessments and detailed quotes.
If you have a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or certain Challenger panel, yes — these brands have documented fire risks and should be replaced regardless of other plans. If your breakers trip frequently, you smell burning near the panel, or you see scorching, schedule an inspection immediately.
Often, yes. A Level 2 EV charger draws 30-50 amps, which older 100-amp panels cannot accommodate alongside your existing home loads. Upgrading to a 200-amp or 225-amp panel gives you the capacity for EV charging, solar, and battery storage — all on one panel.
Yes, power is off for 4-8 hours during the swap. We coordinate with PNM for the temporary disconnect and reconnection, schedule the work during business hours, and notify you in advance so you can plan accordingly.
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