July 28, 2026 · 6 min read
One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering an electrical panel upgrade is simple: How much is this going to cost?
There isn't one price that applies to every home. Electrical panel and service upgrades vary depending on the home's existing electrical system, utility requirements, equipment, accessibility, and the scope of work. Understanding what goes into the price can help you compare estimates and know what you're actually paying for.
It's More Than Just the Panel
Homeowners sometimes assume an electrical panel replacement means removing one box and installing another. Depending on the property, the project can involve much more. A service or panel upgrade may include work involving the:
- Electrical panel
- Main breakers
- Meter housing
- Grounding system
- Overhead service mast
- Underground service conduit
- Utility connection
- Permits and inspections
Every property is different, which is why a professional evaluation is important before determining the final scope.
100-Amp vs. 200-Amp Service
One factor that can affect the project is whether you're replacing an existing panel with similar capacity or upgrading the home's electrical service. Many homeowners choose to explore a 200-amp service when replacing older equipment, particularly when planning for increased electrical demand. That doesn't mean every house automatically needs 200 amps — the appropriate service size depends on the home's electrical load and future plans, which is worth its own look if you want the full comparison.
Your Existing Equipment Matters
The condition and configuration of your current service can have a major impact on the project. An older meter housing, damaged overhead mast, deteriorated underground conduit, or outdated service equipment may need attention as part of the project. This is one reason two houses on the same street can receive very different estimates.
Denver Metro: What Moves the Number Locally
Within the Denver metro, a handful of local factors tend to explain most of the difference between two quotes for what looks like the same job.
- Overhead versus underground service — a weatherhead-and-mast setup and an underground lateral feeding a meter pedestal are both routine, but they aren't the same labor.
- Grounding system condition — older Denver-area homes were sometimes grounded to a water pipe alone, and current code expects a grounding electrode system, which can mean driving new ground rods and running bonding conductors.
- Panel location — a panel on an exterior wall next to the meter costs less to work on than one in a finished basement far from the meter, or one that has to move to meet required working clearance.
- Legacy conditions inside the panel — aluminum branch wiring needing proper terminations, double-tapped breakers that have to be separated, undersized or damaged neutrals, and unlabeled circuits that have to be traced.
- Permits and utility coordination — permit fees vary between Denver, Aurora, Jefferson County and the smaller surrounding towns, and Xcel Energy has to schedule the disconnect and reconnect as part of the timeline.
The Lowest Quote Isn't Always the Same Quote
When comparing estimates, make sure you're comparing the actual scope of work. Ask what is included:
- Are permits included?
- Is utility coordination included when necessary?
- What equipment is being installed?
- Are grounding upgrades included?
- Does the work include repairs to the meter housing, mast, or conduit if required?
- What warranty comes with the installation?
A lower estimate isn't necessarily a better value if important portions of the project aren't included.
Why We Evaluate In Person Before Pricing
A number given over the phone is a starting estimate, not a commitment, because it can't account for what's actually behind your meter and inside your panel. We'd rather spend time at your house, open the panel, and look at the meter and grounding before giving you a fixed, written price. That price accounts for concealed conditions we can see during the visit; if something is hidden until demolition, or if you request a change to the scope after work starts, we'll walk you through the adjustment in writing before proceeding.
If the number is more than you want to spend at once, financing spreads it across monthly payments and checking your options does not affect your credit.
Next steps
Request an estimate or review our written warranty.
Want this answered for your panel?
A tech opens the panel, runs the load calculation and leaves you with a written price. No cost, no obligation.