Quick answer: An electrical panel upgrade costs $850–$12,000 in Los Angeles, depending on whether it’s a standard 200-amp upgrade or a larger service increase. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) provides free estimates across Greater Los Angeles.
Electrical panel upgrades in Los Angeles are now driven by three major trends: the widespread adoption of EV chargers (Level 2 home charging requires 240V/50-amp dedicated circuit), the electrification of homes shifting from gas appliances to all-electric (EV, heat pumps, induction cooking), and the age of the housing stock — a large percentage of LA’s pre-1970s homes still have 100-amp or 60-amp service that cannot support modern electrical loads. This guide covers the real cost of electrical panel upgrades in Los Angeles in 2026.
| Upgrade Type | Typical Cost |
| 100-Amp to 200-Amp upgrade | $2,800–$5,500 |
| Sub-panel addition (ADU/addition) | $1,800–$3,500 |
| 200-Amp to 320/400-Amp upgrade | $5,500–$12,000 |
| EV charger circuit addition | $850–$2,200 |
What you get: Replace existing 100-amp panel with a new 200-amp main service panel. LADBS electrical permit, LADBS inspection, and LADWP or SCE coordination for service upgrade. This is the most common electrical upgrade in greater Los Angeles, enabling: EV charger installation, mini-split HVAC addition, and elimination of double-tapped breaker overloading.
What you get: Install a new 100-amp or 125-amp sub-panel serving a new ADU, room addition, or workshop. Requires a sufficient main panel (200-amp minimum) to feed the sub-panel. Permits and inspection required.
What you get: Upgrade to 320-amp or 400-amp service for homes with: multiple EVs, all-electric appliances, EV charging at commercial-equivalent speed (Tesla Wall Connector 80A), solar + battery storage, or ADU addition. Requires LADWP or SCE service upgrade, which can take 4–12 weeks after permit.
What you get: Dedicated 240V/50-amp circuit from existing panel to garage or carport for Level 2 EV charger. LADBS permit required. The most common electrical project in Los Angeles due to EV adoption — Tesla, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian owners installing home charging.
100A to 200A upgrade: $2,800–$5,500. Sub-panel for ADU/addition: $1,800–$3,500. 200A to 400A upgrade: $5,500–$12,000. EV charger circuit only: $850–$2,200. Most LA homeowner electrical upgrades are the 100A to 200A service upgrade at $2,800–$5,500 — a one-time investment that future-proofs the home for EV, heat pump, and electrification.
Yes. All service panel upgrades require an LADBS electrical permit and LADBS inspection. Service upgrades also require coordination with LADWP (City of LA) or SCE (County and other cities) for the utility connection upgrade. APLA manages all LADBS permit submissions and utility coordination for electrical panel projects.
Panel replacement itself: 1 day for a licensed electrician. LADBS permit: 1–3 weeks. Utility (LADWP or SCE) service upgrade: 4–12 weeks after permit. APLA coordinates all phases simultaneously to minimize total timeline.
Yes. APLA (CA Lic #1136359) handles electrical panel upgrades as part of full remodel, ADU, and addition projects throughout Los Angeles. Call (818) 818-4419 for a free consultation.
Upgrading your panel for a heat pump or electric HVAC system? See our HVAC contractor Los Angeles page or our Title 24 & SEER2 requirements guide.
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359 — verify on CSLB
Electrical Contractor Los Angeles | ADU Contractor Los Angeles | General Contractor Los Angeles
Adding an ADU? Utility connections are the most under-budgeted part of an ADU project, and the rules differ sharply between a conversion and a new detached build — including whether a separate connection can be required at all. See ADU utility connections in Los Angeles: costs, fees and the rules.