Electrical Panel Upgrade in Tucson, AZ
Many Tucson homes built between the 1950s and 1970s still rely on original 100-amp electrical panels that were never designed to handle modern power demands. Flowing Wells Electric specializes in upgrading these aging panels to 200-amp or 400-amp service, ensuring your home is equipped for today and tomorrow.
Call (520) 376-2779Older panels in the Tucson area frequently show signs of wear that go beyond cosmetic concerns. Corrosion from monsoon humidity, brittle wiring insulated with outdated materials, and breakers that no longer trip properly all present genuine safety hazards. Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and other recalled panel brands are still common in neighborhoods throughout Flowing Wells, Midtown, and Casas Adobes. If your home has one of these panels, an upgrade is not just recommended but essential for protecting your family and property.
A modern 200-amp panel provides the capacity needed for high-draw appliances like central air conditioning, electric ranges, EV chargers, and pool equipment. For homeowners planning a solar installation, a panel upgrade is often the critical first step. Tucson Electric Power (TEP) requires that your electrical system meet current standards before approving a solar interconnection, and Flowing Wells Electric coordinates directly with TEP to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
Every panel upgrade we perform in Pima County includes a full permit application, scheduled inspections, and coordination with TEP for the meter disconnect and reconnect. Our licensed electricians handle the entire process so you never have to navigate the permitting bureaucracy on your own. We also future-proof every installation by including space for solar breakers, EV charger circuits, and battery storage connections, saving you significant cost down the road.
Our Process
Inspection and Load Assessment
We evaluate your existing panel, wiring, and electrical load to determine the right amperage for your household needs, including any planned additions like solar or EV charging.
Permitting and TEP Coordination
We handle the complete Pima County permit application and coordinate with Tucson Electric Power for the required meter disconnect, ensuring zero surprises on installation day.
Panel Installation
Our electricians remove the old panel, install the new service entrance and breaker panel, and re-land all circuits with proper labeling and torque specifications.
Inspection and Energization
After the Pima County inspector approves the work, TEP reconnects the meter. We verify every circuit and walk you through your new panel before leaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a panel upgrade cost in Tucson?
A 200-amp panel upgrade in the Tucson area typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 depending on the condition of your existing wiring, the location of the panel, and whether the meter base also needs replacement. We provide a detailed written estimate after our initial inspection so there are no hidden costs.
Do I need a panel upgrade before installing solar?
In most cases, yes. TEP requires that your electrical system support the additional load from a solar inverter, and panels rated below 200 amps rarely qualify. Upgrading your panel before going solar also ensures you have room for the required solar breakers and rapid shutdown equipment.
Is a Pima County permit required for a panel upgrade?
Absolutely. Pima County requires an electrical permit and inspection for all panel upgrades. Working without a permit is a violation of county code and can create serious problems when selling your home. Flowing Wells Electric handles the entire permit process on your behalf.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The actual installation is typically completed in one day, usually between six and eight hours. The permitting and TEP scheduling process can add one to three weeks of lead time, so we recommend planning ahead if you have a deadline for solar installation or other electrical work.
Related Services
Solar Electrical Services
Expert electrical work for solar installations in Tucson, including panel upgrades, inverter wiring, TEP interconnection, and battery storage.
Learn MoreEV Charger Installation
Professional Level 2 EV charger installation for homes and businesses throughout Tucson, with panel assessments and TEP rate optimization.
Learn MoreAreas We Serve for Electrical Panel Upgrade
We provide electrical panel upgrade services throughout the greater Tucson metropolitan area, including the following communities.
Need Electrical Panel Upgrade in Tucson?
Call Flowing Wells Electric today for a free estimate on your electrical panel upgrade project.