Do I need a power panel upgrade?

[Eddy-N]

I`m getting ready to place an order for the Tesla 8.16 system but wanted to know if anyone could help me determine if my existing power panel needs to be upgraded? Has anyone else gone through this and how much should I expect to pay? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[SoundDaTrumpet]

It’s customary on this board is to provides pic of the label inside the panel. Given what I see, the panel is so old that the paper label fell off and/or the breakers are unrecognizable to what is available at the big box store. Expect to pay ~ $4200 for a main service panel replacement.

 

[RandyS]

I had a 125 amp main panel and had the solar contractor upgrade it when installing my solar system a few years ago. I was out of physical space and electrical capacity, even with several half-size breakers. Because of my 2" conduit that ran to the transformer, the utility said the max panel upgrade I could do was 225 amps. They removed the existing wire to the transformer and then pulled in the largest wire in that conduit to help facilitate the panel upgrade (at no cost from the utility). The contractor charged $2,500 to replace the panel and all the breakers when installing the solar system, and it worked out very well. If you do upgrade the panel, you may want to consider adding a subpanel in the garage to help facilitate your EV charging in the future...

 

[arnolddeleon]

I had a 125 amp main panel and had the solar contractor upgrade it when installing my solar system a few years ago. I was out of physical space and electrical capacity, even with several half-size breakers. Because of my 2" conduit that ran to the transformer, the utility said the max panel upgrade I could do was 225 amps. They removed the existing wire to the transformer and then pulled in the largest wire in that conduit to help facilitate the panel upgrade (at no cost from the utility). The contractor charged $2,500 to replace the panel and all the breakers when installing the solar system, and it worked out very well. If you do upgrade the panel, you may want to consider adding a subpanel in the garage to help facilitate your EV charging in the future...

Your contractor gave you a good price. You lucked out with conduit. I rarely see those go for less than $3000 in CA.

 

[CrazyRabbit]

... Because of my 2" conduit that ran to the transformer, the utility said the max panel upgrade I could do was 225 amps. ...

i'm convinced utilities make this sh!t up. i got two 200 amp panels on 320 amp service which don't add up. but alternative load calc has me at 160 amps, if i move my charger to a non backup panel.

 

[CrazyRabbit]

... I rarely see those go for less than $3000 in CA.

well since u guys have $1400 power bills in california, the electricians feel they can charge u more!

 

[mnsweeps]

I have a 200amp panel with 200 amp bus which the builder added in 2003. Tesla told me to upgrade to a 200amp panel / 225 amp bus which I am doing this coming week. I also have 2 Powerwalls on my order.

 

[GaitherBill]

i'm convinced utilities make this sh!t up. i got two 200 amp panels on 320 amp service which don't add up. but alternative load calc has me at 160 amps, if i move my charger to a non backup panel.

That's a very typical residential "400 AMP" service.

We have the same. Super common.

 

[GaitherBill]

I`m getting ready to place an order for the Tesla 8.16 system but wanted to know if anyone could help me determine if my existing power panel needs to be upgraded? Has anyone else gone through this and how much should I expect to pay? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Just given the apparent age, I would say an upgrade would be worth it.

Whats your current service?